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HISTORY OF

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GARRISON

NEW YORK

Including, up to 1840, St. Peters Church
on the Manor of Cortlandt

by
E. CLOWES CHORLEY, B. D.

MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

NEW YORK

EDWIN S. GORHAM

1912

Of this edition, three hundred
copies have been printed. This
copy is

E. Clowes Chorley

Garrison, N. Y.

HOWARD PRESS
Poughkeepaie, N. Y

£CI.A314730

TO THE

WARDENS
VESTRYMEN

AND

CONGREGATION

ST. PHILIP'S CHURCH
IN THE HIGHLANDS

INTRODUCTION.

NO apology is needed for writing the history of an
American Church founded in the reign of George
III. In the diocese of New York there are but
fourteen Anglican churches which ante-date the War of
the Revolution, and it is of the utmost importance that
their records should be permanently preserved. The
purpose to tell the story of this Highland parish was in-
spired by the accidental discovery of some historical notes
in the handwriting of the late Hon. Hamilton Fish, LL.D.,
for many years an honored Church Warden of the parish.
Further investigation revealed a wealth of material.
We are fortunate enough to possess the minutes of the
Vestry from its first recorded meeting of September 1st,
1770 — broken only for a few years during and after
the Revolution — down to the present day, in addition
to which Frederick Philipse, for thirty-seven years
clerk and treasurer, kept all important letters and ac-
counts.

It would have been possible to have constructed a
narrative history of the parish from these sources without
the wealth of quotation which the reader will find in the
following pages, but the writer has chosen to allow the

Introduction

records to speak for themselves. The arrangement of the
chapters consequent upon an association of St. Peter's
and St. Philip's in a common life of seventy years has
involved some repetition, for which due allowance should
be made.

The facts herein set forth have been gleaned from
many fields, but, in most cases, authorities are quoted in
the notes. Grateful acknowledgment is made of the
courtesy of the librarians of Yale and Columbia Univer-
sities, the General Theological Seminary and the New
York Historical Society; the Rev. Dr. Hart, custodian
of the Archives of the General Convention, the Comp-
troller of the State of New York; Mr. James Nelson,
Mr. Franklin Couch and Mr. H. Cammann, Comptroller
of the Corporation of Trinity Church, for permission to
use the valuable books and manuscripts in their hands,
and to Mr. E. H. Virgin for reading the proofs. The
Misses Philipse and Miss Van Cortlandt have freely
placed the rich treasures of family papers and por-
traits, so far as they relate to the churches, at our
disposal.

Special mention should be made of the valued co-
operation of Mr. Stuyvesant Fish, a Vestryman of the
parish, who has proved unwearied in his search for
material and most accurate in his estimate of its value.

While no effort has been spared to insure accuracy, it
is too much to hope that no errors will be discovered.
As Robartes wrote in the preface to his work on Tythes
in 1613, "Who faulteth not, liveth not; the Printer hath
faulted a little; it may be the Author hath ouersighted

Introduction

more," but, with all its imperfections, this modest con-
tribution to the history of a church older than these
United States of America is sent forth in the spirit of the
words of the Psalmist:

Walk about Sion, and go round about her: and
tell the towers thereof. Mark well her bulwarks,
set up her houses: that ye may tell them that
come after.

<c.-tt.

The Rectory,

Garrison,
New York.
All Saints Day, 1911

CONTENTS.

FOREWORD Page

Chapter I. 1

The Church in the American Colonies.
Chapter II. 8

The Church in the Colony of New York.

THE UNITED CHURCHES
Chapter HI. 17

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel, 1767-1840.
Chapter IV. 64

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel.
The Rectors, 1770-1840.
Chapters V-VI. 115-155

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel.
The Wardens and Vestrymen, 1770-1840.

ST. PHILIP'S IN THE HIGHLANDS
Chapter VII. 178

The Chapel of St. Philip's in the Highlands. 1770-1840.
Chapter VIII. 225

The Parish of St. Philip's in the Highlands, 1840-1911.
Chapter IX. 257

The Parish of St. Philip's in the Highlands.
The Rectors, 1840-1911.
Chapter X. 279

The Parish of St. Philip's in the Highlands.
The Wardens and Vestrymen, 1840-1911.
Chapter XI. 311

The Glebe Farm.
Chapter XII. 340

The Churchyard.
Chapter XIII. 347

The Parish Register. (Containing a list of Baptisms,
Confirmations, Marriages and Burials, 1809-1911.)
Appendix. 394

Letters to the Corporation of Trinity Church and to
Bishop Hobart , 1795-1813.
Bibliography 413

Index 421

xiii

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Opposite

! Page

St. Philip's Chapel in the Highlands . Frontispiece
(From a drawing by George E. Moore, 1857)

St. Peter's Church, 1767 18

The Rev. John Ogilvie, D.D . 22

Minutes of First Vestry Meeting, 1770 32^

Receipt for Damages in the War of the Revolution, 1791 42 l

Interior of St. Peter's Church 54

The Rev. Andrew Fowler, M. A 88

Title Page of the Rev. Andrew Fowler's Principal Book.

On page 99

Salary Receipt of the Rev. Joseph Warren, 1806 . . 108

Colonel Beverly Robinson . 120

(From a miniature by John Plott)

William Denning 158

Lieutenant-Governor Pierre Van Cortlandt . . . . 160
(From a painting by Jarvis)

General Pierre Van Cortlandt 164

(From a painting by Collins)

Captain Frederick Philips 174

(From a painting by Gilbert Stuart)

Jacob Mandeville's House 188

Bishop Benjamin T. Onderdonk 206

Salary Receipt of the Rev. James Sunderland . . . 218

The Old Rectory 234''

St. Philip's Church in the Highlands 240 *

Bishop Horatio Potter 244 '

Interior of St. Philip's Church in the Highlands . . . 246

Page j

List of Illustrations

Opposite
Page

St. James' Chapel 248

The Samuel Sloan Memorial Rectory, 1911 . . . 250 *
(From architect's drawing)

The Virginia Sturges Osborn Memorial Altar . . . 254

The Toucey Memorial Parish House 256 N

The Rev. Henry Lemuel Storrs, M.A 258

The Rev. Ebenezer Williams 260

The Rev. Edward Mills Pecke, M.A 264

The Rev. Joel Clap, D.D 266

The Rev. Charles Frederick Hoffman, M. A., D. D. . 268

The Rev. Albert Zabriskie Gray, D.D 270 ^

The Rev. Walter Thompson, M. A., D.D 272

The Rev. Carroll Perry, B. D 276

Samuel Gouverneur 280

John Garrison 282

Frederick Philipse 284

Henry Belcher 286 "

William Moore . 288

The Hon. Hamilton Fish, LL. D 290

(From a painting by Huntington)

Colonel Thomas Boyle Arden 294

Samuel Sloan . 296

Charles deRham 298

Henry Casimir deRham 300

Richard Dean Arden 302

Announcement of Vandue of the Glebe Farm, 1774 . 314

Affidavit concerning the Glebe Farm, 1792 . . . 316

Affidavits concerning the Glebe Farm, 1792 . . . 318

A Parochial Appeal and Subscription, 1774 . . . 320

A Page of the First Parish Register 348

xvi

CHAPTER I.

THE CHURCH IN THE COLONIES OF AMERICA.

THE Church in America is an integral part of the
Holy Catholic Church founded by Jesus Christ,
and built upon the foundation of the Apostles and
Prophets. Neither the Reformation in England, nor
the Revolution in America, severed the chain of her
historic continuity.

First upon the ground, she has remained steadfast ever
since the founding of the nation. The beginnings of the
Church are contemporaneous with the beginnings of the
American Colonies; both took root the same day. With
the hardy adventurer, seeking fame and fortune in virgin
lands, there came the Priest of the Church to conquer
the new world for Christ.

Whilst the Church was not permanently planted in
Virginia until 1607, occasional services were held at least
twenty-eight years before that date. In 1579, on his
memorable voyage around the world, Sir Francis Drake
arrived on the Pacific coast and anchored in Drake's
Bay. The fleet carried its own chaplain, the Rev.
Francis Fletcher, and during the stay of about six weeks
Fletcher conducted services. To him belongs the honor of
being the first Anglican to preach Christ in this broad land.
The first serious attempt to colonize the West was
made in 1585 under the direction of Sir Walter Raleigh.
One hundred and fifty persons landed at Roanoke,
naming the land Virginia, in honor of Queen Elizabeth.

2 The History ofSt.Philip's Church

There accompanied the colonists one Thomas Hariot,
who was the first missionary to America. During the
one year of their stay Hariot, "many times and in every
towne where he came, made declaration of the contents
of the Bible, and of the chiefe points of Religion, to the
natives according as he was able." In 1587 the first
native Indian, Manteo, was baptized. One week later
there was baptized Virginia Dare, the first white child
born in the Colony.

Fourteen years before the Puritan "turned to the new
world to redress the balance of the old" an Anglican
Church was built at the mouth of the Kennebec river, in
what is now the State of Maine, and the minister in
charge was the Rev. Richard Seymour, great-grandson
of the Duke of Somerset.

The colonists of 1585-7 carried back to England glow-
ing reports of the fertile land and balmy skies of Virginia,
and their story appealed to the merchant anxious for
new markets, to the statesman burning to annex new
lands, and to the Churchman yearning to convert the
Indian. A new Company was chartered, to which the
Crown granted lands reaching from South Carolina to
Nova Scotia. On the 19th of December, 1606, three
small ships, commanded by Christopher Newport, set out
for the New World. The largest vessel was of one hun-
dred tons burden; the smallest, twenty. After battling
with wind and wave for a whole winter they entered
Chesapeake Bay, and sailed up the James river about
thirty miles and effected their settlement at Jamestown,
so named after the English King.

In that bold venture the Church of England took the
warmest interest, and Robert Hunt, one of her Priests,

The Church in the Colonies 3

accompanied the adventurers as chaplain. The first
act of the colonists on landing was to kneel upon the
beach and return thanks to Almighty God for deliver-
ance from the perils of the great deep. Such was the
first permanent settlement of the Anglo-Saxon race and
the Church of England in America.

The land was covered with virgin forest and peopled
with savage and hostile Indians. But, undaunted by
either, "Now falleth every man to worke; the Counsell
contrive the fort, and the rest cut down trees to make
place to pitch the tents; some provide clapboard to
relode the ships; some make gardens, some nets." The
dual purpose of the settlers must ever be borne in mind.
They left home and kindred to extend the bounds or
Empire, to find gold and to convert the Indians. Their
great hope, admirably stated by Christopher Newport,
was that their venture "would tend to the glory of God,
his majesties revenue, our countries profit, our owne
advantage, and fame to all posterity." Missionary zeal
kept pace with commercial enterprise.

Captain John Smith, whom Bancroft calls "the true
father of Virginia," happily has left behind a pamphlet
entitled, Advertisement for the Unexperienced Planter of
New England. From that precious record we are able
to glean particulars of the earliest provision for public
worship, to which the settlers were summoned morning
and evening by the roll of the drum. 1 " I have been often
demanded by so many how we began to preach the
Gospell in Virginia . . . what Churches we had, and

1 The use of the drum to call the faithful to prayer was common
in New England and New York down to the War of the Revolution.

4 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

our order of service. When I first went to Virginia,
I well remember we did hang an awning (which is an old
saile) to three or four trees to shadow us for the service;
our walls were rails of wood; our seats unhewed trees.
In foule weather we shifted into an old rotten tent, for
we had few better, and they came by way of adventure
for new." In that primitive structure, on the third
Sunday after Trinity, June 21st, 1607, the Holy Com-
munion was celebrated for the first time in Virginia.
Thus did those devout Churchmen keep the sacred Feast,
and for a while forget their loneliness and danger as they
held mystic communion with "angels, archangels and
all the company of heaven."

As the Colony prospered, a new church was erected
which is described as "a homely thing, like a barn, set
on cratchets, covered with rafters, sod and brush."
This served until the settlement was devastated by fire
in which Robert Hunt "our preacher, lost all his librarie
and all that he had (but the cloathes on his back)," but on
the arrival of new stores, "the mariners set aboute a
church which they finished cheerfully and in short tyme"
— too short indeed — for Captain John Smith tells us
"the rain washed it neere to nothing in fourteen days."
With the arrival of Lord Delaware in 1610 steps were
taken to rebuild the Church, and we are indebted to
Strachey, secretary of the Colony, for a description of
the new and statelier structure. " The Captaine Generall
hath given order for the repairing of the Church, and at
this instant many hands are upon it. It is in length three
score foote, in breadth twenty foure and shall have a
chancell in it of Cedar, and a Communion Table of black
Walnut, and all the pewes of Cedar, with fare broad

The Church in the Colonies 5

windows to shut and open as the weather shall occasion:
a pulpit of the same wood with a font hewen hollow, like
a canu, with two Bels at the West End. It is so cast as
to be very light within, and the Lord Governour doth
cause it to be kept passing sweete and trimmed up with
divers flowers, with a sexton belonging to it."

In due course cedar gave way to red brick, and at James-
town today there stands an ivy -mantled tower keeping
watch and ward over a few weather-beaten grave-stones
bearing eloquent witness to the piety and devotion of
those few men who planted the Church in the wilderness.

Strachey describes the services in the church. "Every
Sunday we have sermons twice a day, and every Thurs-
day a sermon, having preachers which take their weekly
turnes. Every morning at ten of the clocke, each man
addresseth himself to prayers, and so at foure of the
clocke before supper." Pomp and pageant were not
absent from the little Colony and Jamestown Church
must have presented a gay appearance. "Every Sunday
when the Lord Governour and Captaine Generall goeth
to Church he is accompanied with all the councell,
captaines, other officers and all the gentlemen, with a
guard in his Lordship's livery of faire red cloakes, to the
number of fifty both on eache side and behind him; and,
being in the Church, his Lordship hath his green velvet
chair with a cloath, and a velvet cushion spread on a
table before him on which he kneeleth; and on each side
sit the Councell, captaine and officers, each in their
place, and when he returneth home againe, he is waited
on to his house in like manner."

The name of the Rev. Robert Hunt should stand high
upon the honored roll of the makers of America. Ap-

6 The History of St. Philip* s Church

pointed Vicar of Reculver, in the county of Kent, in 1594,
he resigned eight years later to accompany the Colonists in
their hazardous venture. It is impossible to exaggerate
the debt Virginia owes to his priestly devotion. Before
the ships left the English Channel, the old chronicler says,
" So many discontents did then arise, and Mr. Hunt, our
preacher, was so weake and sicke that few expected his
recovery, yet, he, with the greatest of patience and his
godly exhortation (but chiefly by his true devoted ex-
ample) quenched those flames of en vie and dissension."
After the voyagers had landed, "Many were the mischiefs
that daily sprung from their ignorant yet ambitious
spirits, and then was the time that godly man, Master
Hunt, did his part in healing our strifes, and he went from
one to the other with sweet words of good counsell, how
that we shall love and forgive our enemies; nay, he used
more worldly arguments, pointing out that the welfare of
our little band depended chiefly upon our union, for that
we were in an unknown land, exposed to the attacks of the
hostile natives, and we needed, therefore, all the ties of
brotherly love." His arguments prevailed, "for we all
loved him for his exceeding goodness, and the next day
we all received the Holy Communion together as an out-
ward and visible pledge of reconciliation."

Robert Hunt's apostolic labors were too much for his
frail body and he sickened and died, the only recorded
reference to the event being that of Purchas who says,
"his soule questionless is with God." A fitting epitaph
is that of a contemporary writer who said of him, "He
was not in any way to be touched with the rebellious
humour of a popish spirit . . . but was an honest,
religious and courageous divine."

The Church in the Colonies 7

So was the old Church planted in the new land —
planted thirteen years before the Pilgrim Fathers landed
on Plymouth Rock, and two years before the Dutch
came to New Amsterdam.

CHAPTER II.

THE CHURCH IN THE COLONY OF NEW YORK.

IN the year of our Lord, 1609, Henry Hudson, in the
ship Half Moon, anchored inside Sandy Hook, and,
not long after, cabins, protected by a fort, sprung
up on Manhattan Island. A few years later the "Dutch
West India Company" was organized, with permission
to effect a settlement in America. In 1625 thirty
families arrived from the Netherlands, and Manhattan
Island was purchased for twenty-four dollars. Within
five years the first Dutch Reformed Minister arrived and
found fifty communicants. The Dutch remained in
peaceful possession until the 8th of September, 1664,
when the Duke of York's fleet anchored in the Bay.
When the news was carried to Peter Stuyvesant he
stormed, swore — and surrendered; New Amsterdam
became New York.

With Governor Nicholls came the English Church in the
person of a chaplain to the fleet. The various religious
bodies dwelt in perfect harmony together, and for thirty
years the chaplain conducted services at the chapel
within the Fort alternately with the Dutch dominie, and
during a portion of that period the Roman Priest also offi-
ciated. So matters proceeded until 1693, when, because
"Profaneness and Licentiousness had overspread the
Province from want of a settled Ministry throughout the
same, it was ordained by Act of Assembly that six Prot-
estant Ministers should be appointed therein."

The Church in N ew York 9

Governor Fletcher interpreted the phrase "Protestant
Ministers" to mean of the Church of England as by law
established, and in 1697 steps were taken to build a
church in New York, and Trinity parish was organized,
with Compton, Bishop of London, as Rector at a yearly
salary of one hundred pounds. The first Trinity Church,
designed to be "the sole and only parish church and
churchyard in this our said city of New York," was
opened on March 13th, 1698, enlarged in 1737, and
destroyed by fire during the War of the Revolution. A
contemporary writer describes it as "standing very
pleasantly upon the banks of the Hudson River, with a
large cemetery on each side, and enclosed in front by a
painted pailed fence." Its revenue was restricted by
Act of Assembly to five hundred pounds, but, the writer
remarks, "it is possessed of a farm at the north end of the
city, which is lately rented, and will in the course of a few
years, it is hoped, produce a considerable income." The
first resident Rector of Trinity Parish was the Rev.
William Vesey, who served faithfully for fifty years.

When the eighteenth century opened the population
of the Province of New York was 25,000, distributed
"in Twenty Five towns — ten of them Dutch; the rest
English." Long Island is described as "a great place
with many inhabitants." For the most part the Dutch
were Calvinists, and the English, "some of them Inde-
pendents, but many of them of no Religion and like
wild Indians."

The religious conditions at that time are graphically
pictured by the Rev. William Vesey, who writes, in 1697:

Besides this Church (Trinity) and the Chappel in
the fort, one church in Philadelphia (Christ Church),

10 The History of St. Philip's Church

and one other in Boston (King's Chapel), I don't re-
member to have heard of one building erected for the
public worship of God according to the Liturgy of
the Church of England in this Northern Continent of
America from Maryland (where the Church was es-
tablished by a Law of that Province) to the Eastern-
most bounds of Nova Scotia, which I believe in length
is 800 miles.

Church and State alike were aroused in England by the
report of the irreligion in New York. When Lord
Cornbury was sent out in 1703 as Governor he was in-
structed to "take especial care that God Almighty be
devoutly and duly serv'd throughout your Government.
The Book of Common Prayer as by Law established read
each Sunday and Holy Day, and the blessed Sacrament
administer'd according to the rites of the Church of
England. You shall be careful that the Churches
already built there be well and orderly kept, and that
more be built as the Colony shall, by God's Blessing be
improved." Had Lord Cornbury 's character at all
fitted with his instructions his services to the cause of
Religion would doubtless have been more effective; as it
was, in 1707, he imprisoned the Rev. Thoroughgood
Moore in Fort Ann for celebrating the Holy Commun-
ion "as often as once a fortnight," which "frequency he
was pleased to forbid."

In 1702 the English Society for the Propagation of the
Gospel in Foreign Parts decided to send six missionaries
to America, and the Rev. Patrick Gordon and the Rev.
George Keith arrived in the middle of the year. Their
advent marks the spread of the Church outside the city
of New York. Patrick Gordon was appointed to Jamai-
ca, but "took sick the day before he designed to preach,

The Church in N ew York 11

and so continued till his death about eight days after."
The apostolic labors of George Keith bore abundant
fruit. When he preached at Hempstead there was " such
a Multitude of people that the Church could not hold
them, so that many stood without at the doors and win-
dows to hear, who were generally well affected and great-
ly desired that a Church of England Minister should be
settled amongst them." Three days later he preached
in New York on the occasion of "the weekly Fast which
was appointed by the Government by reason of the great
mortality . . . Above five hundred died in the space of
a few weeks, and that very week about seventy."
Keith's missionary journeys embraced New York, New
England, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia
and North Carolina, and of his experiences he writes :

In all the places where we travelled and preached,
we found the people well affected to the Doctrine
which we preached among them, and they did gen-
erally join with us decently in the Liturgy and Pub-
lick Prayers, and the Administration of the Holy
Sacraments, after the usage of the Church of Eng-
land, as we had occasion to use them.

Slowly, but surely, the Church made headway. When
the Rev. J. Thomas went to Oyster Bay in 1704 the
people had been "wholly unacquainted with the Blessed
Sacrament for five and fifty years together," yet seven
years later he had "five and thirty of them in full Com-
munion with the Church who (once) were entirely
ignorant that Communion was a duty," and he had also
"the most numerous of any country congregation within
this or the neighboring Colonies." In Staten Island,
where the Rev. E. Mackenzie was stationed (1704),

12 The History of St. Philip's Church

successful primary schools were established. The French
congregation loaned their church building and the Dutch
received the Prayer Book in their native tongue. In
1712 "a pretty handsome church" was opened, with a
parsonage and glebe attached.

In those days Albany was an important trading center
with a population of nearly 4,000, mainly Dutch. Some
300 soldiers were stationed in the fort to guard against
the French and the Indians. In 1709 the Rev. Thomas
Barclay commenced his missionary work, and for seven
years was allowed the use of the Lutheran Church. A
united effort was made to erect an Anglican Church,
which called forth unexampled generosity. The town of
Albany raised £200, the "poor soldiers of two Independ-
ent Companies" giving £100; every inhabitant of the
village of Schenectady contributed, "one very poor man
excepted;" and three Dutch ministers added their
contributions. The church was opened in 1717 and is
described as "by far the finest structure in America."

In 1745 the Rev. William Vesey reported that in New
York and New Jersey there were "twenty-two Churches,
most of them commonly filled with hearers." Almost
from the beginning the Church in New York engaged in
missionary work. For three years the Rev. H. Beyre
ministered to a Dutch congregation in Harlem (1710-13),
where Colonel Morris had "persuaded the Dutch into a
good opinion of the Church of England."

Even more worthy of note is the Church's ministra-
tions to the slaves in New York. The missionaries and
schoolmasters were instructed to prepare the slaves for
Baptism and Confirmation, and sixteen priests and
thirteen lay teachers were set apart for this work. In

The Church in New York 13

1704 a " Catechising School," under Mr. Elias Neau, was
opened in New York to minister to those "who were
without God in the world, and of whose souls there was
no manner of care taken." Mr. Neau, having received
from the Governor a license "to catechise the Negroes
and Indians and the children of the town," left the
French Church, "not upon any worldly account, but
through a principle of conscience and hearty approbation
of the English Liturgy," and devoted himself to work
amongst the slaves. Many of the slave-owners opposed
the effort, being "strangely prejudiced with a horrid
notion thinking that the Christian knowledge would be a
mean to make their slaves more cunning and apter to
wickedness." In 1726 Trinity Vestry reported that
there were in the city "about 1400 Negroe and Indian
slaves, a considerable number of which had alreade
been instructed in the principles of Christianity." This
work was carried on till the Revolution.

Missionary work on a much larger scale was carried on
amongst the Indians. There were five Indian nations
bordering on the Province of New York, and the French
Jesuits of Canada found in them a fruitful field for
intrigue. Whereupon, the Lords of the Council (1703)
requested the Archbishop of Canterbury to appoint
"two Protestant Ministers with a competent allowance
to dwell among them in order to instruct them in true
Religion and confirm them in their duty to Her Majesty."

Lord Cornbury held a conference at Albany with five
Sachems, who informed him that "they were glad to hear
that the Sun shined in England again since King Wil-
liam's death," and they hoped Queen Anne would be "a
good mother and send them some to teach their Religion

14 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

and establish traffic amongst them, that they might be
able to purchase a coat and not go to Church in bear
skins." The first missionary to the Indians was the Rev.
Thoroughgood Moore, who arrived in 1704 and was warm-
ly welcomed by the Mohawks. In 1712 a chapel was
opened for that tribe by the Rev. Thomas Barclay.
The political difficulties with the French were a constant
hindrance to the work of the missionaries. False
reports were spread that "the white people were coming
to cut them all in pieces," and that Mr. Barclay was
"the chief contriver of the plot, and in league with the
Devil." An even greater hindrance was the unwearying
persistence of the Dutch traders in selling rum, but, in
spite of all, the work was successfully prosecuted for
many years.

The War of the Revolution seriously interrupted, but
did not destroy, the mission of the Church in the Colony.
The armed hostilities placed the Clergy in a most
embarrassing position. They had solemnly taken the
oath of supremacy to the King, and to omit the prayer
for the royal family in the public services was against
their oath and their conscience. In time of so great
political excitement excesses were inevitable. The Cler-
gy suffered severely. Some were "pulled out of their
reading desks because they prayed for the King;"
others were fined for not appearing at "militia musters
with their arms." Many of the harassed Clergy closed
their churches and fled for their lives, but, for a time,
the Rev. Charles Inglis, Rector of Trinity Church, re-
mained in the city. In April, 1776, the revolutionary
forces arrived in New York. Mr. Inglis behaved with
admirable discretion, yet remained true to his oath. It

The Church in New York 15

was intimated to him that General Washington would
attend the service, and "would be glad if the violent
prayer for the King and royal family were omitted."
May 17th was appointed by Congress "as a day of
public fasting, prayer and humiliation," and Mr. Inglis
preached on "Peace and Repentance." On a later
Sunday a company of soldiers marched into Trinity
Church "with drums beating and fifes playing, their
guns loaded and bayonets fixed, as if going to battle."

In September, when one of the churches was re-opened,
"joy was lighted up on every countenance on the restora-
tion of our publick worship." It was short lived. On
the Saturday following, one-fourth of the city, including
Trinity Church, the rectory and the school, was des-
troyed by fire. Feeling ran so high that in 1783 Mr.
Inglis resigned his rectorship and was transferred to
Nova Scotia, and his was the signal honor of becoming
the first Colonial Bishop of the Anglican Church.

Through fire and water God brought the Church in
America into a wealthy place, and set her feet in a large
room. In 1787, Samuel Provoost was consecrated first
Bishop of the Diocese of New York in the Chapel of
Lambeth Palace, and the Church was firmly established
in the State.

From New York to the County of Westchester was not
a far cry even in those early days, and the work of the
Church spread northward to that county, part of which
was still in the wilderness. That there was pressing need
of religious work in the county was apparent from the
fact that in 1693 there were not more than six commun-
icants of the Church in Westchester. A most striking
picture of the religious conditions is drawn by Colonel

16 The History of St. Philip's Church

Caleb Heathcote, who, writing of conditions in 1697,
says:

I found it the most rude and heathenish country
I ever saw in my whole life,' which called themselves
Christians, there being not so much as the least
marks or footsteps of religion of any sort; Sundays
being the only time sett apart by them for all manner
of vain sports and lewd diversions, and they were
grown to such a degree of rudeness that it was intol-
erable, and having then command of the Militia, I sent
an order to all the Captains, requiring their men under
Arms, and to acquaint them, that in case they would
not in any Town agree among themselves to appoint
Readers and pass the Sabbath in the best way they
could, till such time as they could be better provided,
that they should every Sunday call their companies
under arms, and spend the day in exercise.

Given such a choice, little wonder that the Colonel
reports, "Whereupon it was unanimously agreed on
through the County to make choice of Readers; which
they accordingly did, and continued in those methods
for some time."

CHAPTER III

ST. PETER'S CHURCH AND ST. PHILIP'S CHAPEL

FOR just seventy years St. Peter's on the Manor of
Cortlandt and the chapel of St. Philip's in the
Highlands were associated in a common paro-
chial life. The threads of the history of the one are so
closely woven with the other that the effort, in the next
chapter, to recite the history of St. Philip's Chapel,
without repetition, can only be partially successful.
In this chapter events common to both are outlined.

St. Peter's Church stands on the Manor of Cortlandt,
which included also the present parishes of North and
South Salem, Somers and Yorktown. In 1697 eighty-
three thousand acres of land were, by Royal Charter,1
erected into the lordship and manor of Cortlandt, the
first Lord of the Manor being Colonel Stephanus Van
Cortlandt, one of the members of the Council of the
Province of New York. By the terms of the Charter
the owner enjoyed the patronage of all the churches erect-
ed on the Manor, and was required to pay "at our city of
New York on the feast day of the Annunciation of our
Blessed Virgin Mary, the yearly rent of forty shillings
current money of our said Province."

In 1693 there was passed in the New York Assembly
an Act for the Settlement of a Ministry. That Act
provided for the maintenance of ministers in New York

1 Book of Patents, Albany, No. VII, 165.

18 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

city, and the counties of Kings, Queens, Richmond and
Westchester. For the latter county two ministers were
provided, one to be stationed at Rye, the other at West-
chester. Although persistent efforts were made to cap-
ture the provision for a Puritan ministry, the potent
influence of Governor Fletcher secured it for the Church
of England in the Colony.

The first missionary of the Church appointed under
this Act in Westchester County was the Rev. John
Bartow, formerly Vicar of Pampsford, Cambridgeshire.
He was appointed to Rye in 1702, but through the in-
fluence of Colonel Caleb Heathcote, took up his residence
at Westchester, where there was already a wooden church
with neither desk, pulpit nor bell. Two years later the
Rev. Thomas Pritchard, a Welshman, took charge of the
work at Rye, where, there being no church building, he
preached in the Town House.

From these two centers the county was evangelized.
In 1703 Mr. Bartow visited Eastchester and held occa-
sional services, which resulted in the entire body of Pres-
byterians conforming to the Church. In the same year
he went to Yonkers, where services were conducted in a
private house and sometimes in a barn. From Rye the
Rev. George Muirson reached out to Bedford, where he
preached every fourth Sunday, and found them "a very
willful and stubborn people."

In 1724 the Rev. Robert Jenney held services at White
Plains and officiated eight times a year at Mamaroneck,
and the same year he extended his work to Northcastle.
A notable addition to the strength of the Church was
the adhesion of the French Huguenot congregation and
minister of New Rochelle in 1709.

PS 5
w

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel 19

As time went on an effort was made to evangelize the
northern section of the county. The manuscript records
of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel show,
that as early as 1744, the Rev. James Wetmore, of Rye,
conducted church services at Peekskill. Writing on
April 3rd, 1746, he says: "That as there are great num-
bers of people in the wilderness northward of Bedford
and Westchester, who have very little knowledge or sense
of religion, Mr. Lamson's1 labors will be employed to good
purpose among them." The Rev. Ebenezer Dibblee
of Stamford, Connecticut, who traversed the same district
in 1761, "found no settled teacher of any denomina-
tion, but met several heads of families, professors of the
Church of England, and many others well disposed
towards it." His companion on the same journey, Mr.
St. George Talbot, reports: "The state of religion I tru-
ly found deplorable enough; they were as sheep without
a shepherd, a prey to various sectaries, and enthusiastic
lay teachers; there are many well wishers and professors
of the Church among them, who doth not hear the liturgy
in several years."

The first known step towards the erection of a house
of worship on Cortlandt Manor was on March 23rd,
1750, when Andrew Johnson conveyed six acres of land
for that purpose. He was the husband of Catharine
Van Cortlandt. The deed ran as follows:

1 Rev. Joseph Lamson was born at Stratford, Conn., and after his
graduation from Yale entered the Church. After his ordination in
England he was appointed by the S. P. G. as assistant to the Rev.
Mr. Wetmore at Rye to minister to the inhabitants of Bedford, North
Castle, and Ridgefield at a salary of £20 per year. From thence he
went to Fairfield, Conn., where he ministered for 26 years. He died
in 1773.

20 The History of St. Philip's Church

Andrew Johnson of Perth Amboy, East Jersey,
party of the first part, for the value of five pounds,
conveys to Caleb Hall, Joseph Travis and Palatiah
Hows, parties of the second part, a parcel of land ly-
ing at a place called Peekskill, being a part of lot no.
8, beginning at the north-east corner of the second
parcel of land lately purchased by Joseph Taylor,
by the north side of Crumpond road, containing six
acres, &c. to have and to hold in trust for a school
and burying place, and also for their executors and
successors in trust, to the only proper use, benefit and
behoof and exercise of the public worship of God; and
that it be for that purpose in the erecting and build-
ing of a meeting house or houses for the religions, (un-
der the protection of our most gracious majesty) either
the Church of England, Presbyterian, Independents,
Baptists or Congregationalists, &c. to erect and build
a house for the religious exercise of public worship of
God, with a convenient yard thereto, to them the said
Caleb Hall, &c, their heirs and successors, in trust
for the neighbourhood and inhabitants roundabout
from generation to generation for ever, and for no
other use, purpose or intent whatsoever.1

This gift of land was not utilized for sixteen years.
But in 1766 certain subscribers, both of the Manor of
Cortlandt and the lower part of Philipse's Upper Patent,2
appointed Trustees "for directing and carrying on a
building, and for securing it to the inhabitants as a place
of public worship, according to the establishment of the
Church of England."3 The trustees were Beverly
Robinson, Jeremiah Drake, Caleb Ward, Isaac Hatfield
and Charles Moore. The church was called St. Peter's,

1 Westchester County Records, Lib. H, 339.

2 Now Putnam County.

3 Bolton's History of Westchester County, Vol. I, 119.

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel 21

and was opened for divine service on the 9th of August,
1767, by the Rev. John Ogilvie, D. D., of New York.
Born in 1723, Dr. Ogilvie was a graduate of Yale. He
married Margaret Philipse, daughter of Nathaniel
Mars ton. Ordained by the Bishop of London, his
principal work was amongst the Indians at Albany and
in Canada, and he subsequently became an Assistant
Minister in Trinity Church, New York. He died Novem-
ber 26th, 1774.

There is still preserved an old quarto Bible, printed in
1728, in which there is the following entry :

The gift of Mrs. Susannah Robinson,1 to S. Peter's
Church, at Peekskill which Church was by the desire
of Beverly Robinson, Esq., Messrs. Jeremiah Drake,
Caleb Ward, Isaac Hatfield, and Charles Moore,
trustees, appointed by the subscribers to said Church
for directing and carrying on said building, and for
securing it to the inhabitants as a place of public
worship, according to the establishment of the Church
of England, on Sunday the 9th of August, in the year
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty-
seven, being the eighth Sunday after Trinity, conse-
crated by the Rev. Dr. John Ogilvie of New York,
for the service of the Holy Trinity, according to the
rites and ceremonies of the Church of England, as by
law established, by the name of S. Peter's Church.

From a letter dated October 15th, 1770, it would
appear that the church was by no means finished at the
opening service, but it was subsequently made "a decent
and comfortable building for performing divine worship
in." A recently discovered letter, written by William

1 Wife of Beverly Robinson.

22 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

Denning in 1795 to the Rev. Mr. Hargill, sheds valuable
light upon the building of St. Peter's. He says:

When S. Peter's was built, near Peekskill, so very
unable were the Episcopalians to accomplish it
that they called upon their friends of the Presbyter-
ian congregation to assist them and promised that
whenever the building was unoccupied by the Epis-
copalian congregation, that of the Presbyterians
should have the use of it. This seems to have been
well understood and conceded by the Episcopalians.1

This fact may somewhat account for the attempt made
by the Presbyterians, about 1789, to take possession of
the church.

The church erected, steps were then taken to create a
parish, with a vestry, in which the property could be
legally vested. As early as March of 1770 the Trustees
had petitioned Lieutenant-Governor Colden for a Royal
Charter which was formally granted under date of
August 18th, 1770.

Royal Charter of St. Peter's Church:

George the Third, by the Grace of God, of Great
Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the
Faith, &c, to all to whom these presents shall come,
greeting:

Whereas, our loving subjects, Beverly Robinson,
Charles Moore, Jeremiah Drake, Caleb Ward, John
Johnson, Joshua Nelson, Thomas Davenport and
Henry Purdy, on behalf of themselves and sundry in-
habitants on the upper part of the Manor of Cort-
landt, and the lower part of Philipse Patent, in com-
munion of the Church of England as by law estab-

1 Archives of Trinity Corporation, Sept. 10th, 1795.

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Ai.

St Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel 23

lished, by their humble petition, presented on the 21st
day of March now last past, to our trusty and well
beloved Cadwallader Colden, Esq., our Lieutenant
Governor and Commander-in-Chief of our Province
of New York and the territories depending thereon in
America, in Council, did set forth that the petitioners
have at a great expense and trouble erected a con-
venient house for a place of Divine Worship near
Peekskill, to be according to the Church of England
as by law established, and being very desirous of pro-
moting the same, and settling a minister amongst
them, did humbly conceive that if our said Lieuten-
ant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief would be
pleased to take the matter into consideration, and to
grant them a Charter with such privileges, immunities
and conditions as our said Lieutenant-Governor and
Commander-in-Chief should see fit, and that the said
Beverly Robinson and Charles Moore may be ap-
pointed church-wardens, and the said Jeremiah
Drake, Caleb Ward, John Johnson, Joshua Nelson,
Thomas Davenport and Henry Purdy, vestrymen in
the Charter, by the name of the church- wardens and
vestrymen of S. Peter's Church, in the Manor of
Cortlandt, near Peekskill. No one being willing to
encourage the pious intentions of our said loving
subjects, and to grant their reasonable request, know
ye, that of our especial grace, certain knowledge and
mere motion, we have ordained, given, granted and
declared, and by these presents for us, our heirs and
successors, do ordain, give, grant and declare, that the
said petitioners and such other person and persons,
and their successors for ever, as now are or shall
hereafter from time to time be, as well of the Church
of England as by law established, as members of the
congregation of the said church in the herein above
recited petition, called S. Peter's Church, in the
Manor of Cortlandt, near Peekskill, and also contrib-

24 The History of St. Philip's Church

utors to the support and maintenance of a minister
of the Church of England as by law established, to
officiate in the said church for the time being, shall,
with the rector of the said church of S. Peter's for the
time being, forever hereafter be one body corporate
and politic, in deed, fact and name, by the name, style
and title of the rector and members of S. Peter's
Church, in the Manor of Cortlandt, near PeekskilL
And them and their successors by the same name, we
do by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors,
really and fully make, erect, create and constitute one
body politic and corporate in deed, fact and name,
forever, and will give, grant and ordain that they and
their successors, the rector and members of S. Peter's
Church, in the Manor of Cortlandt, near Peekskill,
by the same name shall and may have perpetual
succession, and shall and may be capable in law to sue
and be sued, impleade and be impleaded, answer and
be answered unto, defend and be defended in all
courts and elsewhere in all manner of actions, suits,
complaints, pleas, causes, matters and demands
whatsoever, as fully and amply as any our liege sub-
jects of our said Province of New York may or can
sue or be sued, impleade or be impleaded, defend or be
defended, by any lawful ways or means whatsoever;
and that they and their successors by the same name
shall be for ever hereafter capable and able in the law
to purchase, take, hold, receive and enjoy any mes-
suages, tenements, houses and real estate whatso-
ever in fee simple, for term of life or lives, or in any
other manner howsoever for the use of the said
church, and also any goods, chattels, or personal
estate whatsoever, provided always that the clear
yearly value of the said real estate (exclusive of the
said church and the ground whereon the same is
built, and the cemetery belonging to the same) doth
not at any time exceed the sum of one thousand

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel 25

pounds current money of our said Province; and that
they and their successors by the same name, shall
have full power and authority to give, grant, sell,
lease and dispose of the same real estate for life or
lives, or years, or forever, under certain yearly
rents, and all goods, chattels and personal estate
whatsoever at their will and pleasure.

And that it shall and may be lawful for them and
their successors to have and use a common seal.

And our will and pleasure further is, and we do
hereby for us, our heirs and successors, ordain and
appoint that there shall be forever hereafter belong-
ing to the said church, one rector of the Church of
England as by law established, duly qualified for the
cure of souls, two church wardens and six vestrymen,
who shall conduct and manage the affairs and busi-
ness of said church and corporation in manner as
hereafter is declared and appointed; and for the more
immediate carrying into execution our royal will and
pleasure herein, we do hereby assign, constitute and
appoint Beverly Robinson and Charles Moore to be
the present churchwardens, and Jeremiah Drake,
Caleb Ward, John Johnson, Joshua Nelson, Thomas
Davenport and Henry Purdy to be the present vestry-
men of the said church, who shall hold, possess and
enjoy their said respective offices until Tuesday in
Easter week now next ensuing, and yearly, and every
year thereafter for ever, on Tuesday, in Easter week,
in every year, the rector and members of S. Peter's
Church, in the Manor of Cortlandt, near Peekskill,
shall meet at the said church, and there by the ma-
jority of voices of such of them as shall so meet, elect
and choose two of their members to be church-war-
dens, and six others of their members to be vestry-
men of the said church for the ensuing year, which
said church-wardens and vestrymen so elected and
chosen shall enter upon their respective offices and

26 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

hold, exercise and enjoy the same respectively from
the time of such elections, for and during the space
of one year, and until other fit persons shall be elected
and chosen in their respective places; and in case the
church-wardens or vestrymen, or either of them, by
these presents named and appointed, or who shall be
hereafter elected or chosen by virtue of these presents,
shall die before the time of their respective appointed
services shall be expired, or refuse or neglect to act
in the office for which he or they is or are herein nom-
inated and appointed, or whereunto he or they shall
or may be so elected and chosen, then our royal will
and pleasure is, and we do hereby direct, ordain and
require the rector and members of S. Peter's Church,
in the Manor of Cortlandt, near Peekskill, for the time
being do meet at the said church, and choose other or
others of their members, in the place and stead of him
or them so dying, or neglecting or refusing to act with-
in thirty days next after such contingency. And in
this case for the more due and orderly conducting the
said elections, and to prevent any undue proceedings
therein, we do hereby give full power and authority
to ordain and require that the rector and the said
church- wardens of the said church, for the time being,
or any two of them, shall appoint the time for such
election and elections, and that the rector of the said
church, or in his absence, one of the said church- war-
dens for the time being, shall give public notice there-
of by publishing the same at the said church imme-
diately after divine service, on the Sunday next pre-
ceding the day appointed for such elections; hereby
giving and granting that such person or persons as
shall be so chosen from time to time by the rector and
members of S. Peter's church, in the Manor of Cort-
landt, near Peekskill, or the majority of such of them
as shall in such case meet in manner hereby directed,
shall have, hold, exercise and enjoy such, the office or

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel 27

offices to which he or they shall be elected and chosen,
from the time of such elections until the Tuesday in
Easter week next ensuing, and until other or others
be lawfully chosen in his or their place and stead, as
fully and amply as the person or persons in whose
place he or they shall be chosen, might or could have
done by virtue of these presents. And we do hereby
will and direct that this method shall forever here-
after be used for the filling up all vacancies that shall
happen in either the said offices between the annual
elections above directed.

And our royal will and pleasure further is, and we
do hereby for us, our heirs and successors, give and
grant, that as well the church- wardens and vestrymen
to these presents nominated and appointed as such,
as shall from time to time be hereafter elected and
chosen as is herein directed, shall have and they are
hereby invested with full power and authority to
execute their several and respective offices in as full
and ample manner as any church-wardens or vestry-
men in that part of our kingdom of Great Britain
called England, or in this our Province of New York
can or lawfully may execute their said respective
offices.

And further our royal will and pleasure is, and we
do, by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors,
give, grant, ordain and appoint, that the rector and
the said church-wardens of the said church, for the
time being, or any two of them, shall and may from
time to time, as occasion may require, summon and
call together at such day and place as they shall think
proper, the said rector, church-wardens and vestry-
men for the time being, to meet in Vestry, giving
them at least one day's notice thereon; and we do
hereby require them to meet accordingly: And we
do hereby give, grant and ordain that the said rector
and one of the said church-wardens, for the time

28 The History of St. Philip's Church

being at least, together with the majority of the said
vestrymen of the said church for the time being,
being met in vestry as above directed, shall forever
hereafter have, and are hereby invested with full
power and authority by the majority of their voices,
to do and execute in the name of the rector and mem-
bers of S. Peter's Church, in the Manor of Cortlandt,
near Peekskill, all and singular the powers and au-
thorities herein before given and granted to the said
rector and members of S. Peter's Church, in the Man-
or of Cortlandt, near Peekskill, any wise touching or
relating to such lands, messuages and tenements, real
and personal estate whatsoever, as they the said rec-
tor and members of the said church in the Manor of
Cortlandt, near Peekskill, shall or may require for
the use of the said church, and also in like manner to
order, direct, manage and transact the general in-
terest, business and affairs of our said corporation,
and also shall have full power and authority in like
manner to make and ordain such rules, orders and
ordinances as they shall judge convenient for the
good government and discipline of the members of
the said church; provided, such rules, orders and or-
dinances be not repugnant to the laws of that part of
our kingdom of Great Britain called England, or of
this our Province of New York, but as or may be agree-
able thereto, and that the same be fairly entered in
a book or books to be kept for that purpose, and also
in like manner to appoint the form of the common seal
herein before granted, and the same to alter, break
and remake at their discretion, and also in like manner
to appoint such office or officers as they shall stand in
need of, always provided that the rector of the said
church for the time being, shall have the sole power
of nominating and appointing the clerk to assist
him in performing divine service, as also the sexton;
anything herein before contained to the contrary

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel

notwithstanding, which clerk and sexton shall hold
and enjoy their respective offices during the will and
pleasure of the rector of the said Church for the time
being.

And whereas there hath not yet been any minister
presented or inducted into the said church, our royal
will and pleasure therefore is, that until the said
church shall be supplied with a minister of the Church
of England as by law established, as is herein after
mentioned, and also in case of every avoidance of the
said church thereafter, either by the death of the
rector thereof or otherwise, that the powers and au-
thorities vested in the rector, church-wardens and
vestrymen in vestry met as above mentioned, shall
until the said church be legally supplied with another
incumbent, vest in and be executed by the church-
wardens of the said church for the time being, togeth-
er with the vestrymen of S. Peter's Church, in the
Manor of Cortland t, near Peekskill; provided always,
the concurrence and consent of the major number of
the whole vestrymen of the said church for the time
being to be had in every thing that shall in such cases
be done by virtue thereof.

And we do by these presents, for us, our heirs and
successors, give and grant that the patronage and
advowson of the said church, and the right of pre-
sentation thereto, shall forever thereafter belong to
and appertain, and is hereby vested in the church-
wardens and vestrymen of the said church for the
time being, or the majority of them forever, whereof
one church-warden shall always be one.

And further we do by these presents, for us, our
heirs and successors, give and grant unto the rector
and members of S. Peter's Church, in the Manor of
Cortlandt, near Peekskill, and their successors for
ever, that this our present grant shall be deemed,
adjudged and construed in all cases most favorably,

30 The History of St. Philip's Church

and for the best benefit and advantage of the said
rector and members of S. Peter's Church, in the Man-
or of Cortlandt, near Peekskill, and that this our
present grant being entered on record, as is herein-
after particularly expressed, shall be good and effec-
tual in the law to all intents, constructions and pur-
poses whatsoever, against us, our heirs and success-
ors, according to the true intent and meaning herein
before declared, notwithstanding the non-reciting, or
mis-recital, not naming, or mis-naming any of the
aforesaid franchises, privileges, immunities, offices,
or other the premises, or any of them; and although
no writ of ad quod damnum or other writs, inquisitors
or penalties hath or have been, upon this account,
had made, issued or prosecuted. To have and to
hold, all and singular, the privileges, liberties, advan-
tages and immunities hereby granted or meant,
mentioned or intended so to be, unto them the said
rector and members of S. Peter's Church, in the
Manor of Cortlandt, near Peekskill, and to their
successors for ever. In testimony whereof we have
caused these our letters to be made patent, and the
great seal of our said province to be hereunto affixed,
and the same to be entered upon record in our Sec-
retary's office in our city of New York, in one of the
book of patents there remaining.

Witness our said trusty and well beloved Cad-
wallader Colden, Esq., our said Lieutenant Governor,
and Commander-in-Chief of our said province of
New York, and the territories depending thereon in
America, at our Fort in our City of New York, by and
with the advice and consent of our Council for our
said province, the 18th day of August in the year of
our Lord, 1770, and of our reign the 10th.A

a Book of Patents, Albany.

St Peter's Church and St Philip's Chapel 31

The first Vestry of the Parish, constituted by the
Charter, was:

CHURCH WARDENS,

Beverly Robinson
Charles Moore.

VESTRYMEN,

Jeremiah Drake, Caleb Ward, John Johnson,
Joshua Nelson, Thomas Davenport and Henry
Purdy.

The parish is in the singularly fortunate position of
having a complete record of the minutes of the Vestry
from Colonial times down to the present day. The only
break is from 1775 to 1790, when, owing to the Revolu-
tion and its aftermath, no Vestry meetings were held.
Into an old oblong brown book the minutes from 1770
until 1795 were copied by Caleb Morgan with this en-
dorsement :

The before mentioned record is copied from the
original by me

Caleb Morgan
February 13th, 1795.

and from that time onward the minutes are in the hand-
writing of the different Clerks of the Vestry.

It will be interesting to reproduce exactly the first
minutes of the Vestry :

S. Peters Church in the Manor of Cortlandt

Near Peeks Kill.1

Sep* 1st, 1770 at a meeting of the Church Wardens

1 In quotations from the minutes and other documents the exact
spelling, etc., has been copied.

The History of St . P hilip9 s Church

and Vestry of St Peters Church in the Manor of
Cortlandt near Peeks Kill

Present Mr Robinson

Mr Charles Moore

Mr Davenport
Mr Jn Johnson
Mr Caleb Ward
Mr J Nelson
Mr Jeremh Drake

Wardens

Vestr
men

The Charter being read they Proceeded to Chuse
Mr John Johnson Clark for the present year.

Resolved to Sett a Subscription of foot in favour
of Mr John Doty and endeavour to settle him as our
Minester.

Resolved that altho the Subscriptions mentioned
to be paid yearly, yet all those who shall Subscribe
to ye Support of a minester upon their moving out
of the place Shall be Discharged from their Subscrip-
tion.

Resolved that in order to encorage ye Inhabitants
on the Lower part of Philips Patten1 to Subscribe to
the yearly maintenance of a Minester that he shall
officiate, one half of his time in the Neighbourhood of
Jacob Mandev62 on every other Sunday.

Resolved that the transactions of this present meet-
ing shall be read over at our next meeting, and at
every meeting the transactions and Proceedings of the
Vestry shall be read over.

The Coppy of ye Charter to be kept with the Clark,
then adjourned to Monday 17th instant at 10 o'clock
in the four noon.

Mr. Doty, chosen as the "Minester," had served the

1 Now Putnam County.

2 Mandeville.

fie ■ \ 1

'/>&.

Sh/&

i /uAjtr/1 1/^,7 <r?i ycr/y??/*,^? 14^/ <d{

Air?i *J e-iL s t,Wi rtej£ ,' — ■ , - — -

•M

MINUTES OF FIRST VESTRY MEETING

1770

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel 33

Church as a lay-reader during the summer of 1770, and,
as he was a candidate for the Ministry, the thoughts of
the Vestry naturally turned to him as the first Rector.
The Vestry drew up a letter and a petition addressed to
the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign
Parts, of which the following are copies:

The Church Wardens and Vestry of St. Peter's Church
to the Secretary :

Peekskill, in the Province of New York,
in America

October 15th, 1770.
Rev Sir,

Permit us, as wardens and vestrymen for S. Peter's
Church, to address you, and acquaint you with the
steps we have taken for settling a Church, according
to the established Church of England, and to solicit
your assistance and interest with the Venerable So-
ciety, that we may be so happy as to be patronized
by them, and obtain their charitable assistance to-
wards maintaining a minister.

It is about four years since a few of us first attempt-
ed to begin the building of a Church in the manor of
Cortlandt, near Peekskill, in the county of West-
chester, and on the 9th day of August, 1767, had got
it so far finished, as to get the favor of the worthy and
Rev. Dr. Ogilvie of New York, to open and conse-
crate it, which he did, calling it S. Peter's Church;
and have since (tho' not yet completely finished)
made it a decent and comfortable building for per-
forming divine worship in.

The next step we took, to enable us further to pro-
secute our design, was to apply to his honor Lieut.
Governor Colden for a Charter, which he was pleased
to grant us. Being so far advanced in our undertak-
ing, Mr John Doty, a gentleman educated at King's

34 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

College in New York, offered himself as a candidate
for our Church, and has performed divine service for
us most part of last summer; and has given such general
satisfaction, that we have unanimously agreed to give
him a call as soon as he is properly ordained, and
authorized to perform the office of a minister. And
as we are well acquainted with his moral life and con-
versation, we beg leave to recommend him to the
Venerable Society as a person worthy of that sacred
function, and don't doubt but he will have ample
testimonials from the worthy clergy of New York,
of his education and abilities. We send, by Mr. Doty,
our petition to the Venerable Society, a copy of our
Charter and of our subscription paper for his mainte-
nance, which amounts to £6 1-1 5s New York cur-
rency annually; but as many of the subscribers are
very poor, and some of them we apprehend will be
necessarily obliged to leave the neighbourhood, we
fear it will be difficult to collect some of the subscrip-
tions, but that Mr. Doty may be sure of receiving
something, we have given our bond to the Rev. Dr.
Auchmuty,t as trustee for the Society, obliging us to
pay annually to Mr Doty the sum of £40 currency
during his continuance amongst us, as our minister,
and if the whole subscriptions are received it is all to
be paid to him. The Church is in a thickly settled
country, (tho' no kind of public worship is established
in the neighbourhood) yet at present there are but
very few that profess to be of the Church of England,
which makes it fall very heavy upon those few, so
heavy, that we could not have gone thro' with our un-
dertaking but by entering into an agreement with the
people on the lower end of Philipse's upper patent,* in
the county of Dutchess, that if they would join in the

f Rector of Trinity Church, New York.
* Now known as Garrison.

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel 35

building of St. Peter's Church, and in the subscription
for the support of the minister, that when we ob-
tained a missionary he should be settled for both plac-
es, so as to make one congregation of the whole (we
wish we could say parish for the number) to preach
every other Sunday at the house of Jacob Mandeville,
till such time as we could build a Church in that
neighbourhood, so that we humbly request, if we are
so happy as to gain the Venerable Society's assistance
and protection, that Mr Doty may be settled by them
as their missionary for both the above mentioned
places. The Churches will be not more than eight
miles asunder. It would give us great pleasure if we
could inform the Venerable Society of our having a
glebe and parsonage house provided, but that we are
sorry to say is not yet accomplished. The people
that make up our congregation are so very poor, that
we have been discouraged from attempting to pur-
chase a piece of land for that use. But we can never-
theless assure the Venerable Society, that from the
gracious offer of Mr Beverly Robinson, we have not
the least doubt of having a very good glebe provided
within the year. For a more particular account of
the manner in which we expect to obtain the glebe, we
must beg leave to refer you to Mr. Doty, who is well
acquainted with every circumstance relating thereto.
We are with the greatest esteem and respect, Rev.
Sir,

your most obedient humble servants,

Beverly Robinson,) ^, , ,
^v i *,r f Churchwardens.

Charles Moore J

For themselves and the rest of the vestry of St.
Peter's Church.1

1 New York MSS. Fulham Archives, Vol. II, p. 524-6 (Hawks).

36 The Hist ory of St. Philip9 s Church

The petition ran thus :

To the Venerable Society for the Propagation of the

Gospel in Foreign Parts.

The Petition of the Wardens and Vestry of St. Peter's

Church, in the Manor of Cortlandt, near Peekskill,

in the County of Westchester and Province of New

York in America.

Humbly sheweth,

That your petitioners, in conjunction with the rest
of the people who form the congregations of the
Churches aforesaid, having for some time labored
under the lamentable circumstance of not enjoying
an opportunity of publickly worshipping God in the
decent and solemn order of the established Church of
England, whose evangelical doctrine and discipline
they profess and admire; and being convinced of how
great utility such a sacred establishment would be,
the County being thickly inhabited and almost en-
tirely destitute of every kind of public worship, to-
wards promoting the salvation of many souls and the
prosperity of the Church of Christ have (tho' at pres-
ent but few in number) been at the expense of build-
ing a neat and convenient Church, for which they
have received a charter from his Honour Lieut. Gov-
ernor Colden. That being well satisfied of the char-
acter and abilities of Mr John Doty, a gentleman ed-
ucated at King's College, they have unanimously giv-
en him a call and agreed, when he shall be properly
ordained by his Lordship the Bishop of London, or
any other English Bishop appointed for that purpose,
to receive him as their minister for the said St. Peter's
Church, and also for the neighbourhood of Jacob
Mandeville, in the lower end of Philipse's patent, in
Dutchess County, where it is intended to build
another Church to be united as one congregation,
and that they have cheerfully subscribed to the
amount of £6 1-1 5s New York currency, towards sup-

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel 37

porting him as such. But sensible that such a sum is
not sufficient for that purpose, and being well assured
of the benevolence and generosity of the Venerable
Society, whose readiness on all occasions, as far as pos-
sible to favor attempts of this nature has ever been
deservedly admired, they take the liberty humbly to
pray that they will appoint Mr Doty their missionary
to the aforesaid places, and to grant him such part of
their bounty as they shall think proper.

Your petitioners humbly beg leave to recommend
to your favorable notice the infant state of St.
Peter's Church, and to assure you that we shall ever
esteem it a singular honour and happiness to be in
any degree patronized by the Society. May heaven
ever smile upon and bless your laudible endeavours to
promote the glory of God; and at the great day of
accounts crown all your labours here with everlasting
happiness.

Sealed by order of the Vestry, this 15th day of
October, 1770.

John Johnson, Clerk.1

Lest the language of the letter and petition to the Ven-
erable Society should seem almost servile it might be well
to recall that this Society provided for the spiritual needs
of the American Colonies for more than seventy years.
Those Colonies were under the ecclesiastical direction of
the Bishop of London, and in 1696 the Rev. Dr. Bray was
sent out from England to examine and report on the
state of the Church. He found widespread spiritual
destitution, and on his return to London he organized
the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign
Parts, known as the S. P. G. In 1702 that Society sent
its first two missionaries, George Keith and Patrick

1 New York MSS. Fulham Archives, Vol. II, p. 526-7 (Hawks).

38 The History of St. P hilip9 s Church

Gordon, to America, and from that year until 1785 her
gifts of men and means were almost the sole hope of the
Colonial Church.

At one of the earliest meetings of the Vestry it was
agreed that "the Common Seal of ye Corporation be a
Dove with an Olive Branch in his mouth." The in-
scription around the Seal is "Seal of St. Peter's Church
and St. Philip's Chapel, New York."

When the Rev. John Doty returned in 1771 from his
ordination in England the parsonage was not yet built,
and he was hospitably entertained by Beverly Robinson.
On March 23rd, 1772, the Vestry met and passed this
laconic resolution: "Unanimously agreed to go and
build Mr. Doty a house." An agreement was entered into
with Jerediah Frost "to git the timber, draw the same, the
boards and other materials which he may want for the said
house. To do all the Carpenters and Joyners work, and
paint and glaze the same for Seventy five pounds." That
the house was built by special subscription is evident from
the fact that in July Daniel Birdsall was instructed "to
call on those Persons for the money they have Promd to
give towards Building Mr Doty's house and to account to
the Vestry when required thereto." In September it " was
unanimously agreed to Build a kitchen and Piazar adjoin-
ing to Mr Doty's house on the North side, and the follow-
ing persons say Dan Birdsall, John Johnson, Joshua Nel-
son, David Penoyer and Caleb Morgan have agreed with
Jerediah Frost and David Penoyer to do the carpenter
work and have each of them promised there payment."
Such was the first rectory of the parish which stood on
the glebe farm, in the Southeast corner of what is now
Philipstown in Putnam County.

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel 39

Hardly had the parish been established when the War
of the Revolution broke out with most disastrous results
to the United Churches. The material damage to the
property was the least evil. The Rector was a Tory,
and "a little previous to the War gave up his charge;"
the senior Warden fought on the British side and lost
alike his estates and his citizenship; the parish was
politically divided; the churches were closed and the
flock of God left unshepherded. There is no recorded
meeting of the Vestry for fifteen years.

In this extremity the few faithful Churchmen were
sorely tempted to renounce their allegiance. In a peti-
tion adopted by the Vestry in 1795 to the Corporation of
Trinity Church the conditions during the War are set
forth in simple but graphic language:

This being the seat of the late War1 they were nearly
destroyed between the British and American armies.
In consequence of the injuries we suffered both pub-
lic and private, we were rendered incapable, for many
years, of doing anything towards repairing them;
during which time we were repeatedly urged by dif-
erent Denominations to embrace their respective
modes of worship and reconcile ourselves to their
ministrations. But firmly attached to the Episco-
pal Church, we could never be led to conceive it our
duty to forsake its interest.2

Nor were the "Denominations" content with moral
suasion, for a determined effort was made to secure

1 St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel.

2 Archives of Trinity Corporation, 1795. For full text of this Petition
see Appendix.

40 The History of St. Philip' s Church

possession of both the church building and the glebe farm.
Writing in 1793, the Rev. Andrew Fowler details an
attempt of the Presbyterians to gain possession of St.
Peter's Church. He states:

Three or four years ago the Presbyterians made an
attempt to take the Church and glebe by force; they
called the Church by a new name "Union Church,"
and in order to carry out their schemes they chose
one half of the trustees, as they said, out of the
Church. The truth is they had once professed them-
selves Episcopalians; but most of them have since
proved themselves to be rank Dissenters, which the
Presbyterians no doubt knew.

It was not until 1790 that the parish had sufficiently
recovered to reorganize by the election of a new Vestry,
when the name of William Denning appears as senior
Warden. Mr. Denning had purchased the house and
part of the forfeited estate of Beverly Robinson. Steps
were immediately taken to secure incorporation under the
laws of the State of New York, and at the Vestry meeting
of November, 1791, they "Did then and there According
to our Proceedings, sine a Certificate according to Law,
and appointed Jarvis Dusenbury to appear before one of
the Judges and git it acknowledged and to have it re-
corded in the Clark's office as the Law directs."

On the 28th of December, the record runs:

It was then agreed to enter on this Book that they
was acnoleged, and recorded as a Legal Body on the
Westchester County Record, in lib. A of Religious
Society's Page 26: the 22nd Day of Decr, 1791.

The outlook was gloomy indeed. Beverly Robinson,

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel 41

hitherto the chief supporter of the parish, was in exile;
other Tory members of the late Vestry had lost all their
property, and Churchmen generally had so "suffered
both public and private" that they "were incapable" of
rendering material assistance. Both church buildings
were in a ruinous condition ; the parsonage house was
almost uninhabitable; and round the glebe "not a ves-
tige of a fence remained." And to crown all, the parish
was burdened with a debt of between three and four
hundred pounds.

The extent of the material damage suffered by St.
Peter's in the course of the War of the Revolution may be
gathered from an interesting document preserved in the
State Comptroller's Office at Albany. The Highlands
and the northern part of Westchester suffered most
severely from the fortunes of War. * St. Philip's Chapel
was stripped bare, and "S. Peter's Church was much
injured" whilst the French troops who occupied the
parsonage house left neither fence nor lumber on the
glebe. No compensation was ever obtained for the
damage wrought upon the property in the Highlands,
but William Denning writing to Bishop Provoost in 1796
says:

The damage done to the Parsonage and Farm was,
after the most assidious pains, taken for that purpose,
recompensed.2

At the close of the War appraisers were appointed to

1 In March, 1777, Colonel Bird with a detachment of British troops
visited Peekskill and destroyed much valuable property. (History of
New York during the Revolution, Thomas Jones, Vol. I, p. 177.)

2 Archives of Trinity Corporation, January 18th, 1796.

42 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

assess the damages, and a list of claimants and awards is
still preserved. The damage to the farm was appraised
at £300. In October, 1791, the Vestry gave power of
attorney to one of their number, Jarvis Dusenbury, to
receive the money from the State Treasurer. The docu-
ment runs as follows :

Know all men by these presents, that we Caleb
Morgan and James Spock, Trustees and Caleb Ward,
Warden for the Episcopal Church at Peekskill, of the
Manor of Cortlandt in West Chester County and
State of New York, have made ordained constituted
and appointed Jarvis Dusenbury of the Manor afore-
said our true and lawful Attorney for us and in our
name place and stead, to ask, demand, sue for Levy
and recover of and from any Person or Persons, what-
soever, all and every of accounts put in his hand which
are now due on account of said Church, and to settle
or compound as to his own said Attorney shall con-
ceive most for our interest, and on receipt of our just
due, a full and sufficient discharge in our name to

give — and one or more under him for the

aforesaid to constitute and appoint and at pleas-
ure to revoke, in a full and ample manner as we
might do were we personally present. Ratifying and
holding for firm all our said Lawfull Attorney shall do
in and about Premise.

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands
and seals this 1st day of October in the Year of our
Lord One Thousand Seven hundred and ninety-one.

►Trustees

Joshua Nelson
James Spock
Caleb Morgan

Caleb Ward, Warden.

^ ^ -1 V

c
<

•— OS
I— H

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel 43

Six weeks later the £300 were paid to Jarvis Dusen-
bury, who gave this receipt:

Rec'd Nov 21st, 1791, from Gerard Bancker, Treasr,
a Certificate for Three Hundred pounds — in full
for the claim of a Religious Society in Westchester
County for Rails &c.
£300. Jarvis Dusenbury.

The document is thus endorsed on the docket:

Abstract of Vouchers Value of Firewood, Timber

taken by the Army of the United States at different

times.

Beverly Robinson — A Religious Society. £300.*

This money was used to pay the debt on the " improve-
ments" purchased on the farm and the balance due on the
parsonage, so enabling the corporation to secure the title
deeds to the property "agreeable to the conditions im-
posed by Mr. Robinson;" but it left the parish with
two churches and a parsonage badly in need of repair,
and congregations utterly unable to meet the cost.

It is comparatively easy to picture material conditions
of the United Churches during the closing years of the
18th Century. At the Vestry meeting held on Easter
Monday, 1795, in the extremity of their need, an appeal
for financial assistance was made to the Corporation of
Trinity Church. Part of this petition has already been
quoted.2 It ran as follows:

1 MSS. of the Colony and State of New York in the Revolutionary
War. Vol. L, Folio 94. (Comptroller's Office, Albany.)

2 See page 39.

44 The History of St . Philip9 s Church

We, the Wardens and Vestry of the Protestant
Episcopal Churches at Peekskill and the Highlands
beg leave to represent to the Rector, Wardens and
Vestry of Trinity Church in the City of New York,
the unhappy situation of our respective Churches.

At length recovering ourselves

in some measure from the calamities in which we were
involved by the War, and anxiously solicitous once
more of enjoying a form of worship so well calculated
to inspire Devotion, by our united efforts we so far
repaired our respective Churches, altho tottering to
their fall, as to enable us to use them for the noble
purpose of Divine Worship. Besides the difficulties
above mentioned, our Churches were loaded with a
debt of several hundred pounds which we have wholly
and happily discharged.

And now many reparations being essentially neces-
sary to render them convenient, which we are unable
to make, we beg leave to solicit the charitable and
humane assistance of that Church in New York whom
we consider as our head and upon whom the bounties
of Providence have been showered down in rich pro-
fusion— Could we by any means possess ourselves of
about two hundred pounds for each of our aforesaid
Churches, we flatter ourselves it would enable us,
with our own exertions, to make the necessary repairs
and to hold a respectable rank in the Church of
Christ in this Land. Whatever that Church to whom
we respectfully make this Petition shall see fit to be-
stow upon us for the purposes above mentioned, will
be very thankfully received, and gratefully acknowl-
edged: and we, as in duty bound, should endeavor
ever to maintain a just sense of the obligations we
should be under for so timely and so truly needful aid
and assistance.

With the greatest respect we subscribe ourselves

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel 45

the Rector, Wardens and Vestry's devoted and most
humble servants,

SilvenusHaight|Wardens
Caleb Morgan J

Daniel Haight

Isaac Davenport

Isaac Mead

Elijah Morgan Jr Vestry Men.

William Douglass

Smith Jones

Harry Garrison
Peekskill,

Easter Monday, 1795
Jacob Nelson
Clerk.1

Whatever details of the parochial picture are lacking
in the above petition may be filled in from a lengthy letter
written in the Autumn of the same year by William
Denning to the Rev. Mr. Hargill, then Priest in charge
of the United Churches, and from a second letter a little
later addressed to Bishop Provoost. It would appear
that Mr. Hargill thought the parish, by a little effort,
could increase his scanty support, and in combating this
idea Mr. Denning explains fully their condition.
Beverly in the Highlands,

10th September, 1795.
Revd Sir,

It may perhaps not be amiss that I make a few re-
marks to you upon the former and the present state
of the Corporation of the United Churches of S. Peter's
and S. Philip's, especially as from the frequent com-
munications I have had with you on the subject, it ap-
pears to me, you have been led to believe those con-

1 Archives of Trinity Corporation, 1795.

46 The History of St. Philip's Church

gregations are able to do more than they really are.
Thus stood matters (after the War)
when a few friends met and consulted about repairing
and opening the two Churches for the purpose of hav-
ing the Gospel preached to the people. For this
pious and laudable purpose a subscription was set on
foot, and altho the people appeared zealous, yet so
inadequate was the sum subscribed, that the burthen
fell on a few liberal patrons.

S. Philip's Church was decently repaired, glazed
and painted: the Parsonage clear and under some
small repairs. In this state our little fund was ex-
hausted. We have had no further assistance than
the Congregation, except from the worthy and pious
Mrs. Ogilvie. The Congregations are unable to make
further contributions at present. The people early
anxious to have the Churches open, they have been
gratified, but under very discouraging circumstances,
particularly in their first essay of a preacher.

The Poverty and general inability of the people
still keeps those United Churches in a languishing
state, and, I assure you, Sir, that I am of the opinion
the interests of Episcopacy would be greatly promoted
by their being a little aided. I believe $1,000, with
what has been done, would put this suffering Institu-
tion in very compleat repair, and then with your own
exertions I am sure it would become a respectable
branch of our Church, and be found to merit the
Patronage and protection of our Reputable Clergy
whose attention has been so often experienced by oth-
er infant institutions and who do not as yet know the
state of the Corporation in question.

I have also to suggest to you that we have an Epis-
copal school1 in forwardness the completion of which
depends upon further assistance.

1 Probably the School at Garrison referred to in the Vestry Minutes
of 1793.

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel 47

I am sorry to be obliged to tell you that there is no
present prospect of any other or additional encour-
agement to the Clergyman, so that the Farm as it now
is, and the salary subscribed is all we have to offer,
and you must be the best judge whether those are
inducements sufficient for you to continue. You
will however do me the justice to recollect that on your
first application to me about those Churches I gave you
no other encouragement than what the above state-
ment would justify. I told you the parsonage wanted
repair and the farm fencing, that the whole sum to be
expected from both Congregations would not exceed
from £75 to £100 per annum, this I believe, you find
literally true.

I do not however despair seeing those people one
day better able to support a Clergyman and also
seeing the Corporation respectable, and perhaps if it
was better known, it would have some able advocates,
for which purpose I have no objection to your show-
ing this statement to whom you may think proper.
I am with great Respect and Esteem,
Your most Hble Svt,

Wm. Denning.1

Reverend Mr. Hargill.

To Bishop Provoost Mr. Denning adds:

The people are too poor either to compleat the
Churches or to fence and repair the Glebe. It is
needless to mention the exertions that have been
made, from a disposition to promote this Episcopal
Establishment, they have exceeded expectations after
being so long abandoned. The Rev. Mr. Hargill is
the present preacher at a salary from £75 to £100 a
year, which requires every exertion to compleat, but

1 Trinity Corporation Archives, 1795.

48 The History of St. Philip's Church

it is increasing and with due encouragement will soon
amount to a much larger sum. Mr. Hargill will,
however, abandon those little Churches unless the
house and farm can be put in better repair ....
I conceive it a duty I owe to those poor people to
request the favor of you, Sir, to lay this statement
before the Vestry of Trinity Church.1

In recounting the benefactions of the Corporation
of Trinity Church the Rev. Dr. Berrian mentions the
following to the parish:1

1797 S. Peter's Church, Peekskill $750.

1807 S. Peter's and S. Philip's 1250.

1813 S. Philips Church in the Highlands 750.

do For the Rector 250.

A careful examination of the minutes of the Trinity
Vestry shows the following entries:

November 13th, 1797. Resolved that the Treasur-
er pay the sum of £75 to the Reverend A. Lile being
the amount of an Order in his favor by Samuel Ward,
Clerk of the Vestry of the Churches of Peekskill and
the Highlands, and that the said sum be in part of the
Donation to the said Churches.2

And on February 6th, 1798:

To the Episcopal Establishment at the Highlands,
£300.3

Apparently, however, whatever donation was granted
was not fully paid, as witness the following petition :

1 Trinity Corporation Archives, 1796.

2 Minutes of Trinity Corporation, Vol. II, 1797.

3 Ibid Vol. II, 1798.

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel 49

Peekskill, May 10th, 1798.

We the Church Wardens and Vestry of the Church-
es of S. Peter's near Peekskill and S. Philip's in the
Highlands beg leave to report to the Rector and
Vestry of the Corporation of Trinity Church that
they are at present Destitute of a Minister, that they
have a convenient Parsonage House, and a farm of
upwards of 200 akers of land which Farm is in want of
fencing. That the abilities of the Parishoners are
unequal to providing a sufficient Salary to induse a
Person qualified as a Preacher to accept a Call for the
Churches. It has therefore been contemplated as a
very Probable mode of succeeding in so Laudable and
necessary a purpose that an application be made to
the Corporation of Trinity Church requesting direc-
tion of the Corporation to advance the Church War-
dens and Vestry of the before mentioned United
Churches such sums of the Donation to those
Churches as remains yet to be advanced, which they
would put out on ampel security the Interest of which
together with what could be raised by Subscription,
would in their opinion, soon amount to the Desired
Sum. The Farm is rented for the present year for
£35.

Pleas to Pay the Bearers, William Douglass senr
and Daniel William Birdsall the sum of £400. x

Joshua Nelson Daniel Haight

Caleb Ward John Nelson

Wardens. Thomas Henyan

Elijah Morgan jr
Danl Wm Birdsall

Vestry Men.

At times the Vestry did not find it easy to obtain the
money which had been promised. In 1796 the Vestry

1 Archives of Trinity Corporation, 1798.

50 The History of St. Philip's Church

drew an order on William Denning "for the sum of six
hundred pounds he making himself liable for that sum to
the Corporation of Trinity Church it being a Donation
from them to these Churches." Two years later, how-
ever, the sum of one thousand dollars "yet remains due
from the Corporation of Trinity Church." Shortly
afterwards it "was agreed that a letter should be sent
unto the Corporation of Trinity Church of New York
which was done for the Purpose of obtaining an answer
for an Order sent them in May 10th, 1798." The letter
was as follows:

Peekskill,

May 10th, 1800.
Gentlemen,

At a meeting of the Vestry of S. Peter's and S. Phil-
ip's Churches on the 10th day of May, 1798, they did
send you an Order for $1000 which order they have
never received the money, and no answer thereto.

We the present Vestry would esteem it a particular
favor if you would send us an answer by the first
Opportunity as we now wish to put the Churches in
good repair and give someone a Call to Preach for us.1

Daniel Haight
Danl Wm Birdsall
Benj Douglass Jr.
John Nelson
Joshua Lancaster
John Jones Jr.
James Mandevill.

One year later William Lancaster reports to the Vestry
that "the moneys given as a donation to the Churches
was not paid, and if a proper person was appointed the

1 Archives of Trinity Corporation, 1800.

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel 51

money should be paid." Whereupon Mr. Benjn Doug-
lass, Jr., was deputed "to goe to New York and Receive
the sum of one thousand dollars and engage a Minister."
His errand was fruitless. "Novr 26th. Mr Benjn
Douglass Jr. reports that he called on the Treasurer of
Trinity Church in New York for the Sum of one thousand
dollars the Donation granted our Churches and the said
Treasurer could not pay that sum until further orders
from their Vestry in New York, and Retained in his hands
the Order given the said Douglass to lay before the said
Vestry for their consideration." Another effort was
made to secure the money in 1806, and a letter was ad-
dressed to Bishop Moore. On August 29th, 1807,
Trinity Corporation passed this resolution:

That the further sum of £100 be granted to the
United Churches of S. Peter's and S. Philip's towards
payment for thirty-four acres of land lately purchased
as an additional glebe, and that the same be paid
with the £400 formerly granted for the same purpose
and upon the like conditions as are expressed in the
grant of that sum.1

It should also be stated that a further donation of
$2,000 was made by Trinity to the building fund of the
new St. Peter's Church at Peekskill in 1836-9.

In view of the unjust criticisms lately directed against
the administration of the large estate of the Corpora-
tion of Trinity Church it may be well to record on the
authority of the Rev. Dr. Berrian, that up to 1842,
"the aggregate amount of the gifts, loans and grants
of Trinity Church, rating their lands at the present

1 Minutes of Trinity Corporation, 1807. Vol. II, p. 173.

52 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

prices (1842), considerably exceeds Two Millions of
Dollars, a sum more than equal, in the opinion of
competent judges, to two-thirds of the value of the
estate which remains."1

The materials bearing on the spiritual side of the par-
ochial work are very scanty, owing largely to the fact
that there were long intervals when it was impossible to
secure a clergyman.

The parish sent its first delegates to the Diocesan
Convention in 1790 — Jarvis Dusenbury and William
Denning who are accredited in the diocesan records as
coming from "Peekskill and Beverly."2

Later delegates were:

1792. William Denning and States Dykeman.

1793. Rev. Andrew Fowler.

1794 . Rev. Andrew Fowler and Jarvis Dusenbury.

1795. William Duglass.
1796-7. Rev. Samuel Haskell.
1801 . Joshua Lancaster.
1804-5. Harry Garrison.

1806. Rev. Joseph Warren.

1807. Isaac Purdy.

1808. Rev. Joseph Warren and James Mandevill,

to whom was voted twelve dollars for
"expenses."
1811. Daniel W. Birdsall and Harry Garrison.

At the convention of 1792 William Denning

certified that possession had been secured of the par-
sonage house and glebe lands belonging to the
Churches of S. Philips in the Highlands and S. Peter's

1 Berrian's History of Trinity Church, p. 386.
1 N. Y. Convention Journal, 1791.

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel 53

near Peekskill — that they had given a call to the Rev.
Andrew Fowler and provided for his support; and
that the people seemed much pleased with having
the gospel once more preached and divers services per-
formed according to the usage of the Protestant
Episcopal Church.1

The first parochial report was made to the Convention
of 1807.

The United Churches of S. Peters, Cortlandt Town,
and S. Philips, Philips Town, Rev. Joseph Warren.
Baptisms, Adults 3: Children, 16: Total, 19.
Marriages, 5. Communicants, 10.

And in 1808 the report of Mr. Warren was —

Baptisms, Adults 2: Children 16: Total 18.
Marriages, 8: Deaths, 6: Communicants, 8.

The first recorded Episcopal Visitation was that of
Bishop Hobart in 1816 who reported to the Diocesan
Convention, "November I visited the Congregations of
Philipstown and Peekskill.,, In 1817 the Rev. Petrus
Stuyvesant Ten Broeck, who was then in charge of the
churches at Peekskill, Philipstown and Fishkill, report-
ed to the convention that "The congregation in these
places have been in a depressed state in consequence of
having been destitute of the regular services of a clergy-
man for some time past, particularly, S. Peter's and S.
Philip's which have been the longest destitute. They
now appear to be reviving from their depression."
He reports also :

Baptisms in Philipstown,

Adult 1. Infants 10. Total 11.

1 N. Y. Convention Journal, 1792.

54 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

In 1821 the Rev. Dr. Wilkins reported for the United
Churches:

7 Baptisms, 3 Marriages, 21 Communicants, and a
contribution of $4.37 for the "Missionary Fund."

As before mentioned St. Peter's Church was small1 and
exceedingly plain. As it stands today the door is in the
middle of the South side of the Church and there is a
narrow gallery at the West end and running down the
South side; no chancel, but a small raised platform. No
pews were provided; the people sat upon rough hewn
benches. But it appears that, in the early days, the
Vestry rented ground in the church for the purpose of
erecting pews. On April 28th, 1794, the Vestry resolved :

That Those persons who have taken up ground in
the Church for pews Shall build from within Two
months from Easter Sunday or forfit their Title to
sd ground, and that we advertise the same imme-
diately.

By the year 1826, if not earlier, pew rents were charged
at St. Peter's, for on the 22nd of December the Vestry

Voted that Mr James Mandeville (by paying four
Dollars and sixty two cents) have Pew No 5 in St
Peter's Church in Cortlandt Town in exchange for
his old pew.

Voted that Pier2 Van Cortlandt (by paying nine
Dollars and sixty-two cents) have pew No 4 in St
Peters Church, Cortlandt Town.

Voted Mr George Fowler have Pew No 6 for which
he has paid eight Dollars fifty Cents.

1 On Saturday, February 27th, 1909, Mr. Stuyvesant Fish measured
the exterior of the building and found it 28 x 36 feet.

2 Pierre.

St Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel 55

Both churches kept up the old English custom of a
"Clark," whose duty it was to lead the responses of the
congregation, and in addition, St. Peter's employed a
" Chorister." In 1793 the Vestry resolved that

Mr Caleb Morgan and Isaac Mead be appointed
Clerks unitedly in S. Peter's and S. Philip's Churches,
and that Gee be appointed Chorister in the Churches
afore said till Easter Monday next.

The first mention of a sexton is in 1803, when it was
voted "that Thomas Depew is Chosen Sexton for the
ensuing year."

The six acres of land surrounding the church gave
the Vestry a good deal of care. What was not used
ior burial purposes, was rented and made to contribute
to the revenues of the parish. In 1803 it was agreed

That James Mandeville have the Church ground
for three years for forty shillings a year, and that the
said Mandevill shall not paster Hogs in the said Lott
and that he shall do his best inDever to keep the pews
in good repair.

The following year Mandeville was "allowed twenty
shillings for the plaster that He put on the ground."
At the same meeting it was agreed "that the Church dor
bee repaired and Lock put there on and Lik Wise Locks
to the gate." " It wire" also " agreed that Tomy Curry
have the care of the cees of the Church and gate and
that the sade Curry shant Lit any cretters in to paster
with out the permission of the Wardens and Vestry of
sade Churches." Joseph Ferris was appointed "to put
up the Division Fence Between the Church Yard of the
Episcopal Church and the Baptist Church."1 The

1 A roadway now runs between these two churches.

56 The History of St. Philip's Church

following year the grounds were re-let to James
Mandeville "for one year to Mow and turn in after
Mowing young Cattle for three pounds pr year," and
in 1824 he was allowed five dollars for mowing the grass
on the church grounds.

By far the larger portion of the minutes of the United
Vestry are taken up with the problem of ministerial
support. That support came partly from the glebe
farm but mainly from subscriptions, and many and
devious were the methods adopted to raise the money.
Whenever a new minister settled a "subscription was sett
on foot" for his support. For the purpose of raising the
subscriptions the parish was divided into two sections,
and collectors appointed for each. Thus in 1771 Bev-
erly Robinson was appointed "to collect that part of the
first half year's salary that is subscribed in Dutchess
County, and Jeremiah Drake that part which is sub-
scribed on the Manor of Cortlandt." When John Doty
was called as Rector in 1770 a petition was addressed
to the S. P. G. "praying their assistance in his main-
tenance," and the Vestry entered into a bond with
the Rev. Dr. Auchmuty, trustee for the Society,
"obliging the Church Warden and the Vestrymen for
the time being, and their successors to pay unto Mr.
Doty annually the sum of Forty pounds, New York
currency, to which Bond the Clark was ordered to fix
the seal."

What would now be considered a highly improper
way of raising Church funds, a lottery, was exceedingly
common in the Eighteenth Century. On January 4th,
1772, the Vestry "Ordered that Mr. Birdsall furnish a
ticket in the Delaware Lottery out of the money col-

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel 57

lected in S. Peter's Church, and that Mr. Robinson do
furnish another in the same lottery out of the money
collected in S. Philip's Chappell and that the said tickets
be for the benefit of the said Churches, and that they
both be marked or wrote upon in the presence of the Rev.
Mr. Doty."1

How fared the speculation history sayeth not, but in
April of the same year the Vestry took a deeper plunge
when "It was unanimously agreed to sett on foot a
Lottery for the benefit of S. Peters Church at Peekskill
and S. Philips Chappell in the Highlands for the raising
£360. The scheam to be for 1500 tickets at four dollars
each. The whole to be divided into prizes from which
15 per cent is to be deducted for the aforesaid churches."

The Rector was instructed to go to New York "im-
mediately in order to sett on foot the said scheame, and
to engage such gentlemen there for managers and assis-
tance as he shall think propper." In July Mr. Doty
was again sent to New York "to forward the Lottery"
and instructed "if a sufficient number of tickets cannot
be reasonably sold so that the Lottery may be drawn,
then Mr. Doty is desired to go to the Managers of the
said Lottery and have it stopped, and the Patrons that
have purchased tickets have their money returned to
them again." Whether the lottery was carried through
or no, we cannot tell, but no further mention is made
thereof.

The first recorded instance of collections made in the
Church is in 1771, when it was ordered that "a collection

1 The Delaware Lottery was for the disposal of land owned by
Lord Sterling. The tickets were £4 each, N. Y. currency, or 46 shillings
sterling, or 10 dollars. (Gaine's Weekly Gazette, March 23rd, 1772.)

58 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

be made in Church immediately after the Sermon," and
David Penoyer and Peter Drake were appointed to make
the collections in the church for six months to come.

In 1791 Mr. Dusenbury and Mr. Arnold were appoint-
ed "to furnish the subscription roll on the part of St.
Peter's, and that Mr. Arnold and Mr. Morgan to furnish
the same on the part of S. Philips." It was further
decided that the Wardens and Vestrymen begin both the
subscription papers, but, adds the resolution, "it is
hereby understood that the duplicate signing is designed
to give equal encouragement to both, and that the pay-
ment of one will discharge the subscription."

In 1795 the Vestrymen

met according to appointment at the Revd Mr.
Haskell's and agreed that the monies raised in sd
Church on Sunday by way of contribution shall be
considered as belonging to the Minister of the sd
Church independently of all considerations, excepting
on particular occasions, when mention is made in
public of the causes for which particular monies are
wanted.

The system of keeping parochial accounts was primi-
tive indeed. For many years there was no Treasurer,
but in 1791 the Vestry "did then appoint Messrs. Caleb
Ward, Caleb Morgan, and Sylvanus Haight treasurers
for the temporalities of S. Peter's Church at Peekskill,
and S. Philips Chapel in the Highlands, to receive all
monies that is due or shall become due to the said Church-
es, to keep and to hold the same until demanded by the
Wardens and Vestry of the said Churches whomsoever
they shall then be, and the above said Caleb Ward,
Caleb Morgan, and Silvanus Haight do give a just and

St. Peter s Church and St. Philip's Chapel 59

true account of all monies which they shall or may receive
into the aforesaid Wardens and Vestry of the above
Churches."

It was too admirable a scheme to be workable. What
really happened was that when money came into the
hands of the Vestry it was handed over to one of their
number, and then a draft was made upon him as needed.
Daniel Birdsall was directed "to take charge of such money
as shall be collected, which is to be applyd as Shall be
hereafter Directed by the Vestry." Men who were in-
debted to the parish invariably paid by "Note." In
1810 the committee appointed to "settle with James
Mandevill" reported " a Balance due to the said Churches
of Seventy three dollars and we have taken a Note
payable to said Wardens and Vestry for that amount
payable on demand."

The Vestry in turn paid the Clergy by means of
"Orders" drawn on these debtors, and sometimes the
Clergy drew an "order" on the Vestry in favor of a
creditor.

Peekskill,
29th April, 1811.
Gentlemen,

Please to pay Mr. James Mandeville or the Bearer
Eighty five dollars on demand & oblige
Your very H1 Sev*,

John Urquhart.
The Wardens and Vestry
of St. Peters Peekskill
& S. Philips Highlands.

The order is countersigned :

Harry Garrison Warden
Daniel Haight.

60 The History of St. Philip's Church

Here are two drawn by the Rev. Edward J. Ives who
was Rector of the Church 1826-9:

To the Wardens and Vestry of the Episcopal Parishes
of Cortlandt and Philips town :

Please to pay the bearer, Mr John Oppie, Esq.
$15 and charge the same towards my services in the
said parishes —

Peekskill Edward J. Ives.

11th Sept. 1826.

The Second is for Board:

To the Wardens and Vestry of the Episcopal Societies
of Cortlandt and Philipstown —

Please to pay the bearer, Mr. John Oppie Esq.
$56 for board from the 6th of June to the 11th of
Septr, 1826.

Edward J. Ives.
Peekskill,

11th Septr, 1826.

The endorsement on the back is as follows :

Rec'd 16th Oct 1826 from the Vestry the payment in
full of this acct by Mr John Currie's Note with in-
terest for $85-70- the balance to be paid to the
Vestry.

It may be interesting to reproduce Mr. Ives' account
with the Vestry eighty years ago: —

March 23rd, 1829. Reverend Edward J. Ives Dr.

To Cash reed of James Mandevill

on three seperate orders 125- 00.

To Cash Mr. Mandeville- Sub- 15- 00.

" Frederick Philipse- Sub- 150- 00.

" reed of John Oppie 111- 50.

" of Jas. W. Moyatt- Note 40- 00.

" of Daniel Haight per Order 25- 00.

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel 61

To Cash reed from Peekskill Subscription 120- 00.

■ " General Van Cortlandt 10-00.

* on Notes Mr Wiley 106- 00.
To amount on Highland Subscription 1827 60- 00

To Cash reed on Isaac Lent Note 28- 00

" of John Garrison 1826 Lent 15- 00

" on Mr Lent Note 50- 00

" on 1826 Subscription as Recollected 36- 00

891-

50.

To Cash of Daniel Haight for Wood

cut off the Farm 1829

39-

To Cash my Subscription I. G.

1830

March 8th

To Cash of F. P. Gouverneur on James

Mandevill Note

50-

00.

To No 1 Note by Order Vestry

65-

00.

To Cash of F. P. Gouverneur S.

50-

" " John Garrison

78- 00

To Cash Isaac Faurst Paint Church

00.

" John F. Haight

00.

To Daniel Haight - Subscription

To Henry Garrison do

10- 00

To Cash lent by John Garrison

of Pierre Van Cortlandt

John Warren's subscription

paid to Frederick Philipse Esq.

1830

May 19th

To 1 Note signed by F. Philipse,

Harry Garrison & Daniel Haight

45-

00.

To 1 do do

61-

To be paid by Peekskill Committee

183-

39.

$1500- 00

The History of St. Philip9 s Church

CONTRA CR

1826 Credit by Service

300- 00

1827 do

400- 00

1828 do

400- 00

1829 Year ends - 29th May, 1830

Services

375- 00

Cr by Interest allowed

25- 00

$1500- 00

In the early days of the parish it was the custom to
compensate members of the Vestry for services rendered
to the Church. Here are a few items culled at random
from the records:

1771 Ordered that £3.0.0. a year be paid to
Jerediah Frost as a reward to him for officiating the
office of Clark.

The said Jerediah Frost was evidently the parish dark
whose duty it was to lead the responses in public wor-
ship.

In 1774 Peter Drake and Joshua Nelson, who were
appointed to collect the subscriptions, were allowed
"for their trouble 7 per cent each." In 1801 Joshua
Lancaster was paid £2.0.0. for going to New York, and
twelve shillings for writing the lease for the glebe farm,
and five years later the Rev. Joseph Warren received
$4.50 "for his journey to New York." In 1809 Harry
Garrison and James Mandeville, the committee for
renting the parsonage, were allowed one dollar per day
each. The following payments made to members of the
Vestry are recorded in 1820:

St. Peter's Church and St. Philip's Chapel 63

Paid Harry Garrison for his services for 10

days $15-00

Daniel Haight for his services for 10

days 12-00.

From the year 1830 the connection between St. Peter's
and St. Philip's was nominal. It was inevitable. When
Daniel Birdsall built the first store in the village of
Peekskill in 1764 it marked the drift away from Cort-
landt. As Peekskill increased, Cortlandt decreased.
In 1829 the Rev. Edward I. Ives reported to the Diocesan
Convention that "A new congregation has also been
organized in the village of Peekskill, who contemplate
the erection of a new Church as soon as their pecuniary
resources are enlarged."1 That new church was erected
in 1838. At the same time the other end of the parish
at Philipstown was developing rapidly. Men of wealth
and leisure awoke to the rare beauty of the Highlands
and built their homes on the bank of the Hudson.

So in 1840 St. Peter's and St. Philip's, after an associa-
tion of seventy years, came to the parting of the paroch-
ial ways, each wishing the other "good luck in the name
of the Lord."

1 N. Y. Convention Journal, 1829.

CHAPTER IV.

ST. PETER'S CHURCH AND ST. PHILIP'S CHAPEL.
THE RECTORS.

1770-1840.

FROM the year 1770 until 1836 St. Peter's and
St. Philip's were served by one Rector who
officiated in both churches.

At the first meeting of the Vestry of which we have
record, held on September 1st, 1770, it was resolved to
"sett on foot a subscription in favor of Mr. John Doty
and endeavour to settle him as our Minister." On
October 15th it was "farther agreed to give Mr. John
Doty a Call as Rector of this Church when he is properly
ordained." The Vestry then prepared a petition to the
Society for the Propagation of the Gospel "recommend-
ing Mr. Doty to them for our Minister, and praying
their assistance for his maintenance," and also wrote a
letter to the Rev. Dr. Burton, "Sec to ye Society giving
an account of the state of our Church."

John Doty came of a good stock. The original family
name was "Doten" and they hailed from Boston, in the
county of Lincoln, England. Edward Doten was one
of the "men of the Mayflower" who landed at Plymouth
in 1620. Jabez, the son of Isaac Doten and Mary
Faunce, was born at Plymouth, Massachusetts, on
January 1st, 1716. He married Mary Ann Price of
New York, daughter of a lieutenant in the Queen's

The Rectors of St. Peter's and St. Philip's 65

Fusileers. Jabez was the first of his family to leave
Plymouth, and from that time wrote his name "Doty."
On August 10, 1757, Joseph Harrop, mariner, of New
York City, going on a privateering cruise in the ship-of-
war called the "Stirdy Beggar," Captain Troup, "ap-
points his trusty and loving friend, Jabez Doty of New
York City, 'joyner,' his true and lawful attorney.
Recorded in Clerk's office, New York City at the request
of Mr. Jabez Doty, Joyner, June 28, 1762."

The Rev. John Doty was the eldest child of Jabez and
was born in the city of Albany on May 8th, 1745. A
descendant of his says of him :

While the paternal ancestors of Rev. John Doty
were of the strictest Puritan stock at Plymouth, his
mother was the daughter of an English military
officer, stationed in New York. This union brought
to him some means and good family connections, a
conservative tendency in politics and religion, and a
desire for culture, position and influence. He was the
oldest son of his parents, and, 1768, entered King's
College of New York City, now Columbia College.1

He left the college without a degree, in 1770, and dur-
ing the summer of that year officiated at Peekskill and
neighbourhood as a lay reader. On May 15th of the
same year, he married, in New York, Lydia Burling,
from whom he was subsequently divorced. His second
wife (1819) was Rachel Jeffery of Boston, Massachusetts,
who died at Montreal March 1st, 1860.

There were no Bishops in America, and it was there-
fore necessary for John Doty to proceed to England for
ordination. Armed with letters of recommendation

1 The Doten-Doty Family in America, pp. 155-7.

66 The History of St. Philip's Church

from the Vestry, he sailed to the other side, and on October
23rd, 1770, he was ordered Deacon in the Chapel Royal,
Whitehall; and on January 1st, 1771, was made Priest in
the same chapel by the Bishop of Norwich.1

It would be interesting, were they available, to read
the letters of recommendation which John Doty carried
with him to the Bishop of London, who had the over-
sight of the Church in the Colonies, but we are able to
reproduce the documents which accompanied the ordina-
tion. The candidate was first required to put his hand
to the Oath of Conformity:

I do declare that I will conform to the Liturgy of
the Church of England as it is now by Law Establish-
ed. John Doty.

The Certificate of Ordination to the Priesthood was
thus worded:

by divine permission Bishop of Norwich to all

to whom these Presents shall come or whom they may
in any wise concern.

Know ye that at an ordination holden by us with
theAid and Assistance of Almighty God on the first
day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand
seven hundred and seventy-one — in the Chapel
Royal, Whitehall — we did admit and promote our
beloved in Christ John Doty to the Holy Order of a
Priest according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the
Church of England in that behalf published and
provided. He having been well recommended to us
for His good life and virtuous attainments and
proficiency in Learning with a sufficient Title and
having been also first examined and approved by our
Examiner. In Testimony Whereof we have caused
our Episcopal Seal to be hereto affixed.

1 Two Hundred Years of the S. P. G., Vol. II, p. 885.

The Rectors of St. Peter's and St. Philip's 67

Duly ordained, two other formalities had to be ob-
served before he could leave England and assume the
rectorship of the United Churches. One was formal
appointment by the Venerable Society as one of their
missionaries and the other was a license to officiate in
the Colonies, issued by the Bishop of London. In the
library of Fulham Palace, London, there is preserved a
manuscript, "List of Persons licensed to the Plantations
by the Bishop of London from the year 1745 inclusive,"1
where the date of John Doty's "License" is given as
January 1st, 1771. It was worded as follows: —

BISHOP'S LICENSE

Thomas by Divine Permission Bishop of London
To our beloved in Christ John Doty, Clerk —
Greeting.

We do by these presents Give and Grant to you
in whose Fidelity, Morals, Learning, Sound Doctrine
& Dilligence, we do fully confide our License and
Authority, to continue only during our pleasure to
Perform the Office of a Priest in the Province of
New York in America in Reading the Common Pray-
er & Performing other Ecclesiastical Duties, belong-
ing to the said office according to the Form pre-
scribed in the Book of Common Prayer, made & pub-
lished by Authority of Parliament & the Canons and
Constitutions in that behalf, lawfully established &
promulgated and not otherwise, or in any other man-
ner (you having first before us subscribed the Articles
& taken the Oaths which in this Case are Required by
Law to be Subscribed and taken.)

In witness whereof we have caused our Seal which
we use in this case to be hereto affixed. Dated the

1 This list is printed in the Collection of the Protestant Episcopal
Historical Society, 1851, pp. 107-120.

68 The History of St. Philip's Church

first day of January, in the Year of our Lord 1771.
(Seal) Tho. London.

It was also the custom that missionaries, before sailing,
should wait upon the Archbishop of Canterbury to
receive his "Paternal Benediction and Instructions."
When John Doty did so he received, in common with
other missionaries, the following written words of counsel
and instruction :

That they always keep in view the great Design
of their undertaking, viz. To promote the Glory of
God, and the Salvation of Men, by propagating the
Gospel of our Lord and Saviour.

That they often consider the Qualifications
requisite for those who would effectually promote
this Design, viz., — a sound knowledge of and hearty
belief of the Christian Religion; an Apostolic zeal,
tempered with Prudence, Humility, Meekness and
Patience; a fervent charity towards the souls of men;
and finally, that Temperance, Fortitude and Con-
stancy, which become good soldiers of Jesus Christ.

That in order to the obtaining and preserving the
said Qualifications, they do very frequently in their
Retirements offer up fervent prayers to Almighty
God for his Direction and Assistance; converse much
with the Holy Scripture; seriously reflect upon their
Ordination Vows; and consider the account which
they are to render to the Great Shepherd and Bishop
of our Souls at the Last Day.

That avoiding all names of distinction, they en-
deavor to preserve a Christian agreement and union
one with another; as a Body of Brethren of one and
the same Church united under the superior Episcopal
order, and all engaged, in the same design of Propa-
gating the Gospel.1

1 Hawkins, Missions of the Church of England, p. 424.

The Rectors of St Peter's and St. Philip's 69

With such counsels ringing in his ears John Doty set
his face homewards, and arrived in the Highlands just
five months after his ordination. At a meeting of the
Vestry held on the 8th day of June, 1771, attended by
Beverly Robinson, Charles Moore, Caleb Ward, Joshua
Nelson, Daniel Birdsall and Jeremiah Drake, it was
"Unanimously agreed by the Wardens and Vestry that
the Rev. John Doty be presented to the rectory of S.
Peters Church on the Manor of Cortlandt near Peekskill,
and ordered that the Wardens do deliver him the key of
said Church and give him possession according to Law."
It is further recorded that "Agreeable to the above
resolve, the Church Wardens did on the same day deliver
the key to the Rev. John Doty and possession of the said
Church."

Inasmuch as the Colonial Church was by law estab-
lished it became the duty of the Vestry to present the
Rector-elect to the Governor of the Colony for admission
and induction. This the Vestry did at its meeting one
month later, when the record runs:

The Rev. Mr. John Doty Having Excepted the
Call given him the Last Vestry, Whereupon it is or-
dered that the Board Present the said Mr. Doty to his
Excellency the Earl of Dunmore, Governor and
Desire he may be admitted and Instituted as rector
and inducted into the said St Peter's Church, and a
presentation being prepared for that purpose and the
same being read wars Signed and Sealed by all the
Members present and is as following, viz.

To His Excellency the Right Honorable John,
Earl of Dunmore, Captain General and Governor-
in-chief in and over the Province of New York and

70 The History of St. Philip's Church

the Territories depending thereon in America, Chan-
cellor and Vice- Admiral of the same:

We the Church Wardens and Vestry men of St.
Peters Church on the Manor of Cortlandt near Peeks-
Kill in the County of Westchester, in Communion
with the Church of England as by law established, the
true patrons of the Rectory of S. Peter's Church
aforesaid within your government, in all reverence
and obedience to your Excellency, due and suitable
send greeting in our Lord God Everlasting to said S.
Peter's Church as yet having never been supplied and
to our presentation of full right belonging to our be-
loved in Christ, John Doty, Clerk, to your Excellency
by these presents, we do present, humbly praying that
you would vouchsafe him the said John Doty to the
same Church to admit him to the Rectory of the said
Church to institute and cause to be instituted with all
its rights, members and appurtenances, and that
you will with favour and effect do and fulfill all and
singular those things which in his behalf are proper
and fitting for your Excellency to do. In testimony
whereof, we the Church Wardens and Vestry men
aforesaid have to these presents put their hands and
seals this eighth day of July, in the year of our Lord
one thousand seven hundred and seventy one.

Beverly Robinson
Charles Moore,

Joshua Nelson,
Caleb Ward,
Danl Birdsell,

Wardens.

Vestry.

The Minute of the Vestry of September 28th read
thus: —

The above written petition of us the Wardens and

The Rectors of St. Peter's and St. Philip's 71

Vestry affoursaid, Directed to the right Honorable
John, Earl of Dunmore, the then Govnr of the Pro-
vince of New York, praying him to admit, institute
and induct the Revd Mr. John Doty a Rector of St.
Peters Church, being presented to His Excellency
William Try on Esqre, who superceded Govr Dunmore
as Captn Gen1 & Gov1" in Chief in and over the
Province of New York & the territories depending
thereon in America, Chancelor and Vice Admiral of
the same, His Excellency Did accordingly admit &
institute him the sd John Doty, by virtue of certain
letters of admishion & institution under the peroga-
tive Seal in these words, to witt viz

I, William Tryon, Esq., Captain General and
Governor in Chief in and over New York and the
territories thereon depending in America, and
Vice-Admiral of the same, do admit you, John Doty,
to be Rector of the parish church of S. Peter's on the
Manor of Cortlandt near Peekskill in the County
of Westchester in the said Province, with all their
Rights, members and appurtenances. Given under
my hand and seal of the Province of New York, the
16th day of July, in the year of our Lord, 1771.

The Vestry were addressed by the Governor in these
words:

His Excellency, William Tryon Esq., Captain
General, Governor in Chief, in and over the Province
of New York and the territories depending thereon in
America, Chancellor and Vice-Admiral of the same, to
all and singular Rectors and Parish Ministers what-
soever in the Province of New York, or to the Church
Wardens and Vestrymen of the parish of Saint Peters,
on the Manor of Cortlandt near Peeks Kill, in the
County of Westchester in the said Province, and to
each and every one of you greeting:

Whereas I have admitted our Beloved in Christ,

72 The History of St. Philip's Church

John Doty, Clark, to the Rectory of the Parish and
the parish church of Saint Peters, on the Manor of
Cortlandt, near Peeks Kill, in the County of West-
chester, within this government, to which the said
John Doty was presented by the Wardens and Vestry-
men of the said parish, the true and undoubted pa-
trons of the said parish, vacant, as having never
before been supplied by any incumbent, and him the
said John Doty I have instituted into the Rectory of
the said parish and parish church with all their Rights,
members and appurtenances observing the Laws and
Canons of Right in that behalf required and to be
observed.

To you therefore jointly and severally I do commit,
and firmly enjoyning, do command each and every
one of you that in due manner him, the said John
Doty, Clark, or his lawful Rector in his name or for
him into the Reall, actual, and corporate possession of
the said Rectory, parish and parish church of S.
Peter's, and of all the rights and appurtenances
whatsoever to the same belonging. And you in-
duct, or cause to be inducted, and him so inducted,
you do defend.

And of what you shall have done in the premises
hereoff, you do duly certify unto me, or other compe-
tent Judge in that behalf when hereunto you shall
be duly required.

Given under my hand and seal of the Province of
New York, this 16th day of July, 1771.

WILLIAM TRYON.

Still another formality had to be observed before John
Doty could enter upon his benefice. The Church in the
American Colonies was under the laws of England, as the
Anglican Church was an integral part of the State, and
the Rector-elect was therefore required to assent to the

The Rectors of St. Peter's and St. Philip's 73

Thirty-nine Articles of the Faith. His having done so is
thus recorded in the Minutes of the Vestry of September
28th, 1771:

The said Mr. John Doty, having first produced a
certificate to this Board, of his having, in the pre-
sence of severall witnesses, declared his unfeigned
assent and consent to the 39 Articles of Religion
agreed upon by the Archbishop and Bishops in the
Convocation holden at London, Anno Domini, 1562,
— and having prefixed these to his Majesty's royal
declaration, after which he was, by virtue of certain
letters mandatory, under the Seal, in due manner
Inducted into the reall, actual and corporal possession
of the Rectory and Parish Church of Saint Peter's
aforesaid.

The form of assent, or, as it was called, the "Declara-
tion of Conformity" was thus worded:

I, John Doty, do hereby declare my unfeigned
assent and consent to all and everything contained
and prescribed in ye Book entitled 'The Book of
Common Prayer,' and administration of the Sacra-
ments, and ye Rites and Ceremonies of ye Church,
according to the use of the Church of England: to-
gether with ye Psalter or Psalms of David, printed
as they are to be sung or said in Churches, and the
form or manner of making, ordaining and conse-
crating Bishops, Priests and Deacons.

to which was also added assent and consent to the Thirty-
nine Articles of the Church of England.

The minutes of the Vestry make no mention of Mr.
Doty's resignation of the rectorship of the united church-
es, nor of the time of his departure. It is, however, stat-
ed in the report of the Society for the Propagation of the

74 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

Gospel for 1774 "That the circumstances under which he
left his congregation at Peekskill did not raise him in the
estimation of the Society, to whom his conduct, in that
particular, hath been reported to his disadvantage, and
as an act of ingratitude." What those circumstances
were we have now no means of conjecturing, unless it
should be the brevity of his service in a parish which had
waited for his ordination and built him a parsonage.
Obviously his offence was not a very serious one, for he
continued a missionary of the Venerable Society until
1803. He is recorded as attending a Vestry meeting at
Peekskill on August 13th, 1773, after which his name
disappears from the parochial records.

Three days later the Rev. William Andrews, Rector of
St. George's, Schenectady, writes from New York to
Sir William Johnson: "My health has really suffered so
much of late from constant confinement to a school, and
from my attention to the mission, that I have, by the
advice of Dr. Constable, been obliged to make an excur-
sion abroad for the recovery of it. A principal induce-
ment to undertake this, was the arrival of a clergyman at
Schenectady, who kindly offered to supply my place,
should I absent myself."1 A little later in the same
letter he adds: "This gentleman who now officiates in my
room, is personally known to Colonel Johnson, and I
believe would, if agreeable to you and the people, accept
the Mission. He is a relation of Mr. Ellices. A person
of good abilities and fair character."1 This un-named
clergyman was the Rev. John Doty. The records of the
S. P. G. state that "At the request of the Church War-

1 Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. IV, pp. 305-6.

The Rectors of St. Peter's and St. Philip's 75

dens and Vestrymen of Schenectady, the Rev. Mr. Doty,
a gentleman educated at King's College, New York, and
ordained some time since for S. Peter's at Peeks Kill, is
appointed to succeed Mr. Andrews1 with the former
salary for the space of five years; after which time, one
half will be withdrawn, and the congregation be in a
condition, it is hoped, to increase their contribution to
his support."2

The first services of the Church in Schenectady were
held by the Rev. Thomas Barclay of Albany in 1710, and
until the erection of St. George's, about 1762, were held
in the Dutch Church. Of the town in those days the
Rev. John Taylor writes: "It makes a singular appear-
ance, being built in the old Dutch form — houses in general
but one story, or a story and a half — and standing end-
wise to the street." In this place John Doty spent a
four years' active but troubled ministry. Every Sunday
afternoon he catechised the children in open congrega-
tion, in addition to which he conducted a class for
"twenty poor negroes." In one year he baptized more
than one hundred infants, "most of them brought in from
the circumjacent country, in which there are many poor
families to whom he had occasionally preached."

This admirable parochial work was disrupted by the
War of the Revolution. In an historical sermon preach-
ed in 1882 by the late Rev. Dr. Payne, he said of Mr.
Doty:

1 The Rev. William Andrews was of Irish birth. He was recom-
mended to Sir William Johnson for the mission at Schenectady by
Colonel Croghan and Secretary Banyar, and was ordained by the
Bishop of London in 1770. He afterwards removed to Virginia.

2 Report of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, 1774.

76 The History of St. Philip's Church

Not long had the new incumbent been proclaiming
within these walls the gospel of peace, before the
sounds of war were echoed from Lexington, Concord
and Bunker Hill. The rupture between the colonies
and the mother country was to try the souls of all,
but of none more than the clergy of the English
Church, who were sustained by the bounty of its So-
ciety at home, and whose ordination vows would
not allow them to disuse the liturgy, with the prayer
for the king and royal family. Like many of his
brethren, Mr Doty suffered between a sense of duty
and the pressure of the times. He was arrested, and
kept in ward for a while. On being released, he left
for Canada; and divine service was suspended in the
church during the remainder of the war.1

From various sources we can fill in the above outline.
In his Annals of Albany Munsell states that St. George's
library, the organ and a greater part of the interior were
destroyed by a gang of Indians and lawless whites, and
adds, "they even meditated the destruction of Mr. Doty's
property; but they knew not the place of his abode, and,
as none would inform them, he escaped their ire." Mr.
Doty himself writes: "The Church had been on the
decline for three years: two-thirds of the people only
remaining, but those of decent deportment, and attached
to the King ... So reduced were his people that
he left in Schenectady only fifty-nine, exclusive of slaves
among whom were sixteen communicants, and twelve
catechumens."2

From the safe refuge of Montreal he writes on May
30th, 1778 to the S. P. G.,—

1 Pearson, History of the Schenectady Patent, p. 396.

2 Quoted in Fowler's MS. Biographies of the Clergy.

The Rectors of St. Peter's and St Philip's 77

To avoid a long detail of the most il-liberal treat-
ment he has received from his factious neighbors, he
thinks it suffice to say, that after fifteen months inter-
ruption of divine service, his people having suffered
in various ways, and himself twice made prisoner, he
found it absolutely necessary to retire with his family
to Canada. To pay for which journey, and to dis-
charge the debts necessarily incurred by him, through
the deficiency of the peoples subscriptions, all the
money he had, and could collect from the sale of his
furniture was not sufficient; and his distress must
have been very great had he not been appointed
Chaplain to His Majesty's Royal Regiment of New
York.1

Mr. Doty left Schenectady on October 23rd, 1777, and
so great were the difficulties of travel, that it was nearly
a month before he reached Montreal.2 To the foregoing
must be added a more detailed statement of his exper-
iences made under oath, a statement the more valuable
because it is typical of the sufferings of many of the
colonial clergy who adhered to the cause of the king.

At the close of the War of the Revolution the British
Government was inundated with claims for compensa-
tion for "losses and services" of the loyalists. Royal
Commissioners were appointed to investigate and adjudi-
cate upon the claims. For obvious reasons this could
not be done within the confines of the United States, so
the hearings took place in London and Nova Scotia.
All claims had to be submitted in writing, and each
claimant was required to appear personally before the
Commissioners. These claims have been carefully pre-

1 Report of the S. P. G., 1779.

2 Stuart, The Church of England in Canada, p. 46.

78 The History of St. Philip's Church

served in the archives of the British Colonial Office, and
they have been copied into forty-six folio manuscript
volumes which constitute one of the greatest historical
treasures of the Public Library of the city of New York.

These volumes contain a wealth of material for the
student of the Revolutionary period as it affected both
Church and Commonwealth. Therein are found the
claims of the Rev. Charles Inglis, Rector of Trinity
Church, of the Rev. Samuel Seabury, then Rector of
Westchester, and afterwards first Bishop of the
American Church, and many others. Two of the docu-
ments are of absorbing interest to the parish of St.
Philip's in the Highlands — the claims of the Rev. John
Doty and Colonel Beverly Robinson, the first Rector
and Warden of the united churches. The proceedings
in Mr. Doty's case read as follows:

To the Honorable Commissioners appointed by
Act of Parliament for enquiries into the Losses and
Services of the American Loyalists.

The Memorial of John Doty, Clerk, one of the
Missionaries of the Society for the Propagation of the
Gospel, and late Rector of St. George's Church, in the
town of Schenectady &c, Province of New York,
North America.

Humbly Sheweth,

That your Memorialist from the beginning of the
late Troubles in America, adhered stedfastly to his
Allegiance using his utmost endeavors to preserve the
people committed to his care unshaken in their loy-
alty; and especially from the Autumn of 1777 — to
the Autumn of 1781 — faithfully discharged the duty
of a Chaplain in one of the Provincial Corps in
Canada. That besides the personal ill-treatment

The Rectors of St. Peter's and St. Philip's 79

he received from his deluded Countrymen, your
Memorialist compelled to retire within the British
Lines was deprived (for the most part) of his Living
which he estimates at £80 Sterling per annum, to
which your Memorialist adds the loss of 325 Acres
of Land, an estate in fee simple situate lying and
being on the South side of the Mohawk river, in the
county of Tryon, and in the Township of Belvidere,
which land, together with part of his moveable estate
left at Schenectady, he values at £250 Sterling.

That in point of Living £140 New York Currency
the Par of £80 Sterling would go as far at Schenectady
as £140 will extend here (London); for which reason
your Memorialist finds it extremely difficult to
support himself and his Wife (the companion of his
Misfortunes) in the expensive Metropolis, where with
much less than the sum last mentioned he has been
obliged to remain ever since his arrival on the
British shore.

Your Memorialist therefore prays that his case
may be taken into your Consideration in order
that your Memorialist may continue to receive
the small Annuity allowed to him since the Fifth
day of January last, or such Aid or Relief which
his Losses and Services may be found to deserve.

JOHN DOTY.

No date is attached to this Memorial, but it was pro-
bably presented late in 1783, and in the February follow-
ing Mr. Doty appeared personally in support of his
claim. The official record is as follows:

Feby 6th, 1784.

Evidence on the Foregoing Memorial of the Rev.

John Doty.

Claimant sworn

Says he is a native of Albany in the Province of

80 The History of St. Philip's Church

New York, but was brought up from his Infancy in
the City of New York.

Says at the commencement of the Troubles he was
rector of S. George's Church in Schenectady — The
first Step he took at that time was to warn the People
Privately and used every means in his power to con-
firm them in their Allegiance — He likewise as far as he
thought right exhorted them from the Pulpit to the
same Effect — This conduct soon drew upon him the
Suspicion and Enmity of all who were of the opposite
Faction — They did not molest him personally until
after the Declaration of Independence at which
time his Church was shut up — He was warned not to
keep it open by Mr Wayne one of the Congress lest
he should be troubled for it — Soon after this he was
taken up and carried before the Committee of the
Town and two young men swore they considered him
as a person plotting with the Negroes against their
State, and to destroy the Town:
Claimant denied his being concerned in any Plott,
but openly declared his Allegiance to the King. He
was in consequence of this threatened to be sent to
prison. He was acquitted of the Charge of Plotting
to destroy the town and was discharged.
Not many weeks after he was taken up again by two
armed men as being a Tory, and sent off in a Wagon
to Albany; when he arrived at Albany he was bailed
by a relation who was on the Rebel side. The next
day he, with the others who were carried down with
him, were brought before the Committee where an
Oath of Neutrality was tendered to them severally —
He believes the others took the Oath but he refused to
take any — He was however permitted to return home
through the Interference of his Friends — He accord-
ingly went back and staid at home till the affair of
General Burgoyne, when from his Miscarriage des-
pairing of relief he by means of his friends at Albany

The Rectors of St. Peter's and St. Philip's 81

obtained permission from General Gates to go unto
Canada — The General offered him anything in his
Gift as far as £200 a year — Claimant said he would
consider of it, but begged he would let his Secretary
make out his Pass, and immediately that he got it he
departed unto Canada. He was appointed Chaplain
to the first Battalion of Sir John Johnson's Regiment
in which situation he continued till he arrived in
England in the Autumn of 1781 — He had leave to
come home for his Health — and he had business with
the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel and he
was permitted to act by Deputy1 and he received
the half of the Pay — the Regiment is now reduced,
and his half pay is assigned over to a Gentleman
in Montreal of whom he was obliged to take up Mon-
ey, but in about a year he shall be able to clear it off,
and have his half pay clear — It was £60 a year.
He was appointed a Missionary of the Society for the
Propagation of the Gospel in 1773 — and has hitherto
received £40 a year, but he has lately had a differ-
ent Mission given to him at Sorenne2 which will pro-
duce him £50 a year. He receives an allowance of
£40 a year from the Treasury.

The record further states that Mr. Doty produced his
commission as military chaplain signed by Sir Guy
Carleton, and also the deed of the land for which he paid
£80. He valued the land at 13s. -6d. per acre. He
further testifies that

He lost by leaving behind him a Chamber Organ and
his Library — He put the Organ in the Church for
Security, and he values the Library and the Organ at
£30 — and he meant to value his land at £220, and

1 As Chaplain.

2 Sorel.

82 The History of St. Philip' s Church

that the income of S. George's was secured to him by
a Bond from the Church Wardens.1

On his arrival in Canada he was at once appointed
Chaplain to His Majesty's Royal Regiment of New York,
the sixtieth, and in addition to his military duties he
ministered devotedly to such of the Mohawk Indians as
were settled in Canada, many of whom had joined the
royal army. Six miles from Montreal the Mohawks in
1778 "built a few temporary huts for their families and
. a log house for the sole purpose of a Church
and a Council Room." There Mr. Doty ministered
'to the whole assembled village, who behaved with
apparent seriousness and devotion. " The record is still
extant of how he admonished the Red Men to be faithful
to their baptismal vows, and of how the Chief replied
"that they would never forget their baptismal vows,
nor the religion they had been educated in, and that it
revived their hearts to find once more a Christian Minis-
ter among them, and to meet together, as formerly, for
the worship of Almighty God."2 In June, 1778, he
accompanied his regiment to Quebec, and a little later
General Haldimand informed Sir John Johnson that a
memorial had been presented by the inhabitants of
Montreal requesting the appointment of the Rev. John
Doty to the management of a public school.3 The
appointment was not made, and he sailed for England,
accompanied by his wife, on October 23rd, 1781, on the

1 American Loyalists, Audit Office Manuscripts, New York, Book 1,
Claimants, Lennox Library, Vol. XLI, p 45-51.

2 Two Hundred Years of the S. P. G., 1901, Vol. I, p. 139.

3 Canadian Archives, Haldimand Collection, Letters to Officers of
the King's Royal Regiment of N. Y., Series B, Vol. 138, page 125.

The Rectors of St. Peter's and St. Philips 83

Integrity with "a convoy of 60 sail," being allowed to
retain his chaplaincy during his absence.

In January, 1783, during a visit to England, Mr. Doty
drew up a valuable statement on "The present state of
the Church in the Province of Canada," in which he
declares "The evening service of the Church of England
is not performed : The weekly prayer days, Saints' Days
are totally neglected: and the Sacrament of
the Lord's Supper administered not above three or four
times a year at Montreal, not so often at Quebec and not
at all at Trois Rivieres."1 Uncompromising Tory as he
was, he adds that the Society "will not have the rank
weeds of Republicanism and Independence to root out
before they can sow the pure seed of the gospel, as was
too much the case heretofore, in the Colonies, but on
the contrary they will find a people (like the good ground)
in a great measure prepared and made ready to their
hand. The Protestants to a man are loyal subjects, and
in general members of the Church of England."2

For this promising field John Doty "freely offered his
services," and it was decided to make a "trial" by
appointing him to establish a mission at Sorel. Sorel
was then "the key of Canada," fifteen leagues below
Montreal. Besides the garrison, which was "middling
large," there were seventy Protestant English families.
He arrived at Sorel on July 1st, 1784, and immediately
applied to the Governor for a residence, provisions and a
lot of land, and, until such time as a residence was pro-
vided, he was quartered in barracks. The first service
was held on July 4th, 1784, and was attended by "Dis-

1 Two Hundred Years of the S. P. G., 1901, Vol. I, p. 140-41.

2 Two Hundred Years of the S. P. G., 1901, Vol. I, p. 141.

84 The History of St. Philip's Church

senters, Lutherans and Churchmen." After four weeks,
permission to use the Roman Church was withdrawn,
and he applied to Major Johnson for the use of a govern-
ment building. In 1785 he purchased "one of the Best
houses in Sorel for fifteen guineas, and fitted it for a
Church so as to accommodate above one hundred and
twenty persons." The gift of a bell "encouraged them
to add a steeple to their church." "The first Church in
which he ministered," writes Canon Anderson, "was
of wood, and it was originally a marine store, fitted up for
divine service in something of church-like form, with
belfry and bell."1 This was replaced by the aforemen-
tioned building opened on Christmas Day, 1785, when
"thirty-two persons received the Communion." John
Doty writes in his diary: " Completed the first Protestant
Church built in Canada, and opened it for Divine
Service."

The following summer he visited Albany and was
called to the rectorship of St. Peter's Church, which he
declined in the interests of his work at Sorel. His
stipend of £50 was paid by the S. P. G. and in 1786 the
Government added an annual allowance of £100, to
which were added grants of land, which in the course of
time became quite valuable. From Sorel he reached out
in his missionary labor to Montreal, where he ministered
to a congregation of Germans, and to St. Armand, where
'he had a serious and crowded audience, and baptized
six infants and one adult."

In 1793 he visited New York, where he is said to have
received a call to St. Ann's Church, Brooklyn, as witness

1 Centennial Sermon in the Church at Sorel by the Rev. Canon
Anderson.

The Rectors of St. Peter's and St. Philip's 85

this paragraph in the S. P. G. report for 1797: "It is
with concern that the Society has received information
that they are deprived of the useful service of this worthy
missionary, Mr. John Doty, by his removal to his native
country to take charge of S. Ann's Church at Brooklyn
in Long Island, in the Province of New York."

There is, however, no mention of this fact in the records
of St. Ann's, and in September of the same year we find
Mr. Doty preaching before H. R. H. Prince Edward at
Sorel at a notable Masonic service.

In 1803 he resigned as a missionary of the Venerable
Society, and removed to Three Rivers, where, on July
28th, 1819, he married Rachel Jeffery. He died on the
23rd of November, 1841, at the great age of ninety-six
years, and was buried in the old cemetery where a simple
stone bears this inscription :

Sacred to the Memory

the Reverend John Doty

who departed this life on the

23rd of November, 1841.

Aged 96 years.

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.

Mrs. Doty died in Montreal, March 1st, 1860.
Writing in 1893 the Rector of the parish says: "Mr.
and Mrs. Doty are still remembered by old residents of
Three Rivers, who speak of them as devout and hon-
orable gentle-folks, always bearing the dignified man-
ners and the courtly grace of a bygone age."1

Nearly two years elapsed before St. Peter's and St.

1 The Church of England in Canada, 1759-1793, Rev. H. C.
Stuart, p. 109.

86 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

Philip's secured a successor to Mr. Doty. At a meeting
of the Vestry on September 18th, 1775, "it was unani-
mously agreed to set on foot a subscription for the sup-
port of Mr. Bennett Page during his preaching in S.
Peter's Church, Peeks Kill." In all probability this was
"Bernard Page," who was licensed by the Bishop of
London to officiate in Wyoming parish, Pennsylvania, in
1772, from whence he removed to the Province of New
York.1 A curious reflection upon him occurs in an
advertisement of a lottery for a Church in Brooklyn:

New York, March 31st, 1774. Many Persons
having been misled by an opinion, that the Church
proposed to be erected by means of a lottery, at
Brooklyn, on Long Island, is to be under the minis-
try of the Rev. Bernard Page, the public is hereby
assured to the contrary, and that it will be a truly
Orthodox Church, strictly conformable to the doc-
trine and discipline of the constitutional Church of
England, as by law established, and under the Rec-
tor and Vestry of Trinity Church, in this City.2

How long Mr Page ministered in the united churches
it is impossible to tell. The meeting at which he was
engaged as minister "adjourned until further notice,"
and no meeting is recorded for the next fifteen years.
During those years the Colony of New York threw off all
allegiance to the British Crown, becoming one of the
thirteen United States and the "Church as by Law
established" ceased to exist therein. Families were
divided into hostile political camps, and the Highlands
were ravaged by the armies. Two-thirds of what is now

1 Bolton's History of Westchester County, 1881, I, p. 132.

2 Rivington's New York Gazette, Thursday, March 31st, 1774.

The Rectors of St. Peter's and St. Philip's 87

Putnam County, was sequestered from the ownership of
Beverly Robinson and of his brother-in-law, Roger
Morris. The people of the parish were scattered; the
services were either suspended or held irregularly; and
for several years there were no meetings of the Vestry
and no settled minister.

The record takes up the broken thread with the elec-
tion of Wardens and Vestrymen on Easter Monday,
April 5th, 1790, but no steps towards obtaining a clergy-
man were taken till the following year when it was
"Agreed that a subscription paper be sett on foot for the
purpose of raising a sallary for a minister to officiate in
the united churches of S. Peter's and S. Philip's."
Richard Arnold and Joshua Nelson were appointed to
solicit subscriptions at Philipstown, and Jarvis Dusen-
bury and Caleb Morgan were appointed to "furnish the
said subscription role on the part of St. Peters." It was
further agreed that "the Wardens and Vestrymen begin
both the Subscription papers now mentioned, but it is
hereby understood that the duplicate signing is deemed
to give equal encouragement to both, and that the pay-
ment of one will discharge the subscriber."

In November, 1791, the Vestry "did then agree to pay
the sum of Twenty pounds for the suport of David
Lamson1 to services in S. Peter's Church at Peekskill and
S. Philip's Chappel in the Highlands until the first of
April next, and it is further agreed that Joshua Nelson
and Silvanus Haight shall furnish him with the necessarys
agreeable to a person of his station out of the above
Twenty pounds."

1 Probably "Lampson."

88 The History of St. Philip's Church

Apparently David Lamson's engagement was not
renewed, for on the 7th day of August, 1792, the Vestry

did then agree with the Rev. Andrew Fowler
to officiate as Rector of the Church and Chappie for
one year, and they do promise to pay him for his ser-
vice the sum of seventy pounds current money of
New York, and have likewise agreed with John Bash-
ford for the house which he now lives in until the first
day of May next, and to give him the sum of five
pounds for the same, and they do further agree to
put Mr. Fowler on the Glebe farm the first day of
May next.

Early in the following year the Vestry resolved that
"the Rev. Mr. Fowler shall be inducted according to the
mode of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this state
now in use, with the Rectory of S. Peter's Church on the
Manor of Cortlandt, and S. Philip's Chapel in Philips-
town now in communion together and that the Induction
into S. Peter's Church shall be made on Monday the 6th
of instant January, and the Induction into S. Philip's
Chapel when convenience will permit."

The next year Mr. Fowler was re-engaged for another
annual term at a salary of eighty pounds, the Vestry
further agreeing to repair the house and build a barn.
It was also arranged "that both parties do agree to
give each party three months warning previous to
leaving or dismissing." A little later a minute records
a complaint of the Rector "that the church at Peekskill
had neglected to discharge their part of the first half
year's salary."

In those days the growth of the Episcopal Church was

THE REV. ANDREW FOWLER, M. A.
Rector, 1792-1794

The Rectors of St Peter's and St. Philip's 89

not regarded with favor by the Puritans. It is a matter
of public record that during the Revolution the Presby-
terians attempted to take the church on the Manor of
Cortlandt by force. Mr. Fowler seems, however, to
have maintained cordial relations with his ecclesiastical
neighbors, as witness the following correspondence with
Rev. Silas Constant, a militant Presbyterian minister
of Yorktown.

Reverend Sir,

It is a rule in the Church to which I belong, that no
minister not even one of our own Denomination, shall
preach at any time in our Churches without liberty is
first obtained of the Rector — Nearly the same rule I
suppose is observed among the Presbyterians or Con-
gregationalists, and as I feel an inclination to preach a
sermon in Crown Pond1 within a short time, I therefore
beg the favor of your Meeting House when it does not
interfere with your own appointments for that pur-
pose. A line in answer to this will oblige,

(Your) friend and honorable servant,

ANDREW FOWLER.

to which courteous request Mr. Constant replied :

Reverend Sir,

I received yours intimating your willingness to
preach in this neighborhood, and I shall note your
direction and give notice to the congregation. The
Meeting House will be opened without objection, and
hope your appointment will be when I can attend, if
week day, if on Sabbath it must be when I preach at
Peekskill,

Yours in sincerity,

SILAS CONSTANT.

1 Crompond.

90 The History of St. Philip's Church

Andrew Fowler was born at Guilford, Connecticut,
on June 10th, 1760. He was the son of Andrew Fowler
by his wife, Martha Stone, and a descendant of John
Fowler, one of the founders of Guilford in 1639. 1 At
the age of nineteen he entered Yale, a convinced Presby-
terian, graduating in 1783, and receiving his Master of
Arts degree ten years later.2

In the latter half of the Eighteenth century the burning
question in religious circles in America was the nature
and organization of the Church, and the point around
which controversy raged most fiercely was the necessity,
or otherwise, of the Episcopate. The fight waxed ex-
ceeding bitter, and it produced an endless array of books
and pamphlets.

So serious a question could scarcely escape the atten-
tion of the young student preparing for the ministry, and
he had not far to seek for materials. In the year 1711
an agent of the colony of Connecticut in London sent
over eight hundred books, among which were the works
of strong Anglican writers like Hooker, Chillingworth
and Usher. These were in the Yale Library, and they at-
tracted the attention of Andrew Fowler, who promptly
sought permission of the President to read them.

The request unwittingly revived memories of the dark-
est day in the annals of New England Puritanism. Fifty-
seven years before a little group of Yale professors and
ministers, including Timothy Cutler, then President of
the College, had studied those same books. Their
studies convinced them that "they were usurpers in
the house of God," and they announced their intention

1 Smith, History of Guildford, Ct., p. 18.

1 Fowler, MS. Biographical Sketches of the Clergy.

The Rectors of St. Peter's and St. Philips 91

of applying for Holy Orders in the Church of England.1
Little wonder that the President, with such memories*
promptly refused the request on the ground that the
books in question were "dangerous." Possibly the
refusal stimulated the young student's desire; at any
rate they were obtained elsewhere, and as a result of
their perusal, Andrew Fowler joined the Church.
For seven years he was a devoted lay reader. In the
Autumn of 1779 he became a churchman, and almost
immediately " commenced reading prayers and sermons
under the direction of the Rev. Bela Hubbard at West
Haven, three Sundays in five; and at New Haven in 1782
he read prayers and sermons for the same Reverend
gentleman two Sundays in five. These circumstances
commonly took place in the same manner till he grad-
uated, though at sometimes he read prayers elsewhere in
his native State, he having the President's leave to do so."2
After his graduation he removed to New Rochelle
where, he says, "I was principally engaged with a
school." He found the Church in a distressed position,
the churches in Yonkers, Peekskill, Rye and Westchester
were closed, and some of them had been converted into
military hospitals. Nor did the clergy escape. The
Rev. Luke Babcock, Rev. Epenetus Townsend and
Rev. Samuel Seabury were imprisoned, and the Rev.
Ephraim Avery, of Rye, lost his life. The clergy were
scattered; the churches closed and the flock of God were
as sheep without a shepherd. England ceased to send
out missionaries, there were no American Bishops, and

1 Perry, History of the American Episcopal Church, Vol. I, p.
24-7 ff.

2 Fowler, MS. Biographical Sketches of the Clergy.

92 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

consequently no ordinations. To Andrew Fowler the
Church's extremity was his missionary opportunity, and
he set out to gather the sheep again into the fold.

He writes in his Journal: "At the close of the War I
collected the congregation at Rye and at White Plains
. Began at Rye the first Sunday in April, 1784,
and at White Plains the Sunday after.' ' In 1786 he ex-
tended his efforts to Yonkers, of which he writes: "The
congregation had been broken up by the War, and was
for sometime destitute of a regular pastor. The Rev.
Mr. Babcock died sometime before the peace took place.
I read sermons and prayers there with great pleasure,
and never saw any other conduct there than that which
was truly christian and pious. I could go there but
occasionally, as I was then principally engaged as a lay-
reader at New Rochelle."1 In 1785 he was lay represen-
tative of Trinity parish to the Diocesan Convention.2
From New Rochelle he removed to Long Island and
served as lay reader at Brookhaven, Oyster Bay and
Huntington.3

He was ordered Deacon by Bishop Provoost in St.
Andrew's Church, Staten Island in 1789, and was ad-
vanced to the Priesthood by the same Bishop in St.
Paul's Church, Eastchester, one year later. His first
parish was Christ Church, Oyster Bay. His rectorship
of St. Peter's and St. Philip's terminated in the Fall of
1794, and he removed to Bedford, N. Y., where he min-
istered for one year. Removing to New Jersey, he
labored at Shrewsbury, Middletown and Spottswood.

1 Fowler, MS. Journal.

2 N. Y. Convention Journal, 1785.

3 Marvin, The Church in Suffolk County, p. 8.

The Rectors of St Peter's and St Philip's 93

A list of the New Jersey Clergy in 1798 shows him as
"Minister of St. Mary's Church, Coles Town, on con-
tract for one year only."1 Philadelphia was the scene of
his work for one year, and his last charge in the North
was S. Michael's, Bloomingdale, then a country place on
the far outskirts of the city of New York.

In 1806 Mr. Fowler removed to Charleston, S. C,
where the real work of his life was done. Writing
under date of February 15th, 1807, to John Henry
Hobart, then assistant minister of Trinity Church, New
York, he says, "After I left New York the first place I
went to was Wilmington, N. C. At this place I met
with a Clergyman by the name of Walling, who is one
of the most pleasant and agreeable men in the world."
At Wilmington he was detained five weeks awaiting a
ship to Charleston.

We who live in the Twentieth Century, when the
Church has reaped all the finer fruits of the Oxford
Movement, have little idea of the laxity of faith and
effort which characterized the Church in America in the
earlier years of the Nineteenth Century. When Andrew
Fowler went South he wrote to the Rev. John Henry
Hobart: "I conversed with Mr. Walling upon the
state of the Church, which he tells me is deplorable. I
find that the idea of Episcopacy is but little esteemed
among either the Clergy or the people. They think it no
matter what religion a man is of, provided he be honest."2

The attitude was typical of the times. The era of
aggression had not begun. The missionary motive was
yet unborn, and the Bishops were content with small

1 General Convention MSS.

2 Hobart MSS.

94 The History of St. Philip's Church

achievement. The Church was apologetic. But "there
was the sound of the wind in the tops of the mulberry
trees." In the city of New York there lived and labored
a man to whom the American Church was to owe a new
life. John Henry Hobart — not yet a Bishop — was
dreaming dreams and seeing visions of a Church alive to
her splendid heritage. He was the apostle of a new
catholicity which blazoned upon its banner the motto,
"Evangelical Truth and Apostolic Order;" the able and
intrepid champion of the Church of God. Under the
inspiration of his leadership apology gave place to
aggression. Wise before his time, Hobart foresaw the
tremendous power of the printing press and used it to
the full in the circulation of books and tracts expounding
and defending the nature and organization of the Church.
Andrew Fowler was in the fullest sympathy with
Hobart's purposes and methods. In season and out of
season he sought to open men's eyes to the glories of the
Catholic Church, and he was shrewd enough to see that
the most effective method was the circulation of Church-
ly literature.

His five weeks' enforced stay in Wilmington was used
to extend the influence of the Church. He writes to
Hobart: "I was invited to dine out every day while I
was at Wilmington; it gave me a great opportunity of
advocating the Church, and my friend Walling told me
that I had been of great service to him among his own
people."

He adds, " I find that there is nothing wanting to make
the Church flourish in this State but half a dozen good
Clergymen and a few small tracts on Episcopacy, Bap-
tism and the Lord's Supper."

The Rectors of St. Peter's and St. Philips 95

The few books he had with him were quickly exhaust-
ed; "I had a copy of your Companion, one copy of your
treatise on The Festivals and Fasts . . . these I
was obliged to give away as some of my friends were so
desirous to have them; it was a pity that I had not had
many more. I wish, friend Hobart, that you would send
me on a copy of the Canons of the Church, and some
other small tracts which you may have it in your power
to send gratis." How the literature was welcomed and
used is seen in a further letter: — "Part of the pam-
phlets I have this day forwarded to Dr. Walling, and the
remainder I shall distribute among the members of my
own parish as they stand much in need of them. The life
of Dr. Johnson1 1 have had six days, and it has been read
through by nine persons already."

When he arrived at Charleston he found that the
parishes had already made their arrangements for the
year, but under the date of January, 1807, he writes:
"I am elected Rector of S. Bartholomew's Church,
Edisto Island, the property of which I am to be put in
possession of next Winter. The living consists of a
plantation with sixteen negroes; the pew rents are not
less than four hundred dollars, and it is the general
opinion that the whole, including what will be raised by
subscriptions, cannot amount to less than two thousand
dollars."2

A later letter sheds interesting light on climatic con-
ditions: "It is a great misfortune that the inhabitants

1 The Life of Samuel Johnson, D. D., the first President of King's
College, in New York, by Thomas Bradbury Chandler, D. D., 1805.

2 Hobart MSS.

96 The History of St. Philip's Church

are obliged to leave here, and move off to some consider-
able distance during the sickly months. As the heat
increases, the country is filled with noxious vapors, and
it will be ten o'clock in the morning before you can see
the Sun for the fog." He adds, "I have never enjoyed
my health better: I have eleven Communicants, and
have baptized eight children."

With Charleston for a center he was in "labors oft"
for forty years. In 1811 he resigned the rectorship of S.
Bartholomew's parish and became an itinerant mission-
ary for the rest of his life. For some time he labored
at Columbia, S. C, where he "collected a considerable
congregation of the best and most respectable citizens
who attended public worship with great devotion."1 To
him also belongs the distinguished honor of presenting
the first class of candidates for the Apostolic rite of Con-
firmation in the diocese of South Carolina on March 30th,
1813.2

In July, 1821, Florida was ceded to the United States
by Spain. The churchmen of Charleston immediately
took steps to send a minister to St. Augustine in order to
establish church services. In an interesting and valuable
historical pamphlet3 Mr. Fowler writes: "On Saturday,
the 22nd of September, 1821, the Rev. Dr. Gadsen appli-
ed to me, on behalf of the Protestant Episcopal Society,
composed of young men and others, to go as their

1 Dalcho, Historical Account of the Church in South Carolina.

2 Southern Churchman, February 11th, 1869.

3 A Short Account of the Rise and Progress of the Protestant Epis-
copal Church in the city of St. Augustine, East Florida, by Andrew
Fowler, A. M., Charleston, 1835.

The Rectors of St. Peter's and St. Philip's 97

missionary to St. Augustine in East Florida, for the space
of two months, in order if possible, to collect and organize
a Congregation in that place."

Although the position had already been refused by
several of the clergy, Mr. Fowler readily consented, and
in less than a week was on his way armed with a Circular
Letter of Introduction to Christians in particular and to
the Community in general. He arrived at St. Augustine
on October 2nd, only to find the city in the grip of
malignant yellow fever, and the inhabitants panic-
stricken. He was strongly urged not to land, but no
personal danger daunted him. Without a moment's
delay he commenced his devoted and untiring ministra-
tions to the sick and dying. In the course of five weeks
he officiated at eighteen funerals and baptized eight
children.

On Saturday, October 6th, he issued an address in the
Florida Gazette: "The Subscriber takes this method to
announce to the Public his intention to perform divine
service, God willing, in this city on the morrow, at the
old Government House. Service will commence precise-
ly at 10 o'clock in the morning." The service was duly
held, and the preacher "had a numerous, respectable
and attentive audience." He returned to Charleston
on November 9th.

Amid his manifold missionary labors Mr. Fowler
found time to make some notable contributions to
religious literature. He was the author of An Ex-
position of the Book of Common Prayer: A Catechism of
the Church and An Exposition of the XXXIX Arti-

98 The History of St. Philip's Church

cles. The estimate in which these works were held may
be gathered from the address of Bishop Moore to the
Diocese of New York, in which he says, "October 14th,
1807. Two hundred copies of Fowler's Exposition of the
Liturgy of the Church, purchased by Trinity Church, to
be distributed throughout this diocese."1

A. The other known publications of Mr. Fowler were: —

1 . A Short Introduction to Christian Knowledge, designed particularly
for the use of the Protestant Episcopal Church at East- Woods,
Oysterbay. New York, 1792.

2. Hymns. New York, 1793.

3 . A Sketch of the Life and death of Mrs. Hannah Dyckman, King's
Ferry. Danbury, 1795.

4 . The Lessons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States
of America; . . . with an explanation of all the Sundays and
the principal Holy-Days throughout the year.

New Brunswick, N. J., 1798.

Second Edition, Charleston, 1838.

5 . A Form of Morning and Evening Prayer. Compiled for the use
of an Academy. New York, 1802.

6. Short Instructions for those who are preparing for Confirmation.

Charleston, 1813.

7. A Sermon, upon the word Amen, Revelation XXII, 21. Delivered
in S. Michael's Church, Charleston, Feb. 7th, 1813.

Charleston, 1835.

8 . A Short Account of the Rise and Progress of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the City ofS. Augustine, East Florida.

Charleston, 1835.

1 New York Convention Journal, 1807.

99
AH

EXPOSITION

OF THE

BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER,

AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE

SACRAMENTS

AK» OTHER,

RITES AND CEREMONIES OF THE CHURCH, fcc.

ACCORDING TO THE USE OP TKE

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH

IK THE

UNITED STATES of AMERICA.

by ANDREW FOWLER, a. m.

RECTOR OF CHRIST-CHURCH SHREWSBURY, AND CHRIST-CHURCH
MIDDLETOWN, »EW-JERSEY.

BURLINGTON, N.JERSEY,
POINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, JBT S* C* l/STICX.

1805.

[COPY.RIOHT SECURED.!

100 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

Andrew Fowler made a notable contribution to the
History of the Church in America.

Scattered in parishes throughout the land are materials
of priceless value to the ecclesiastical historian of the
future, and to that material Mr. Fowler added permanent
value. At the instigation of Bishop Seabury he gathered
materials for Biographical Sketches of the Clergy,1 and twice
walked from Charleston to Connecticut in search of ma-
terials. Writing to the Rev. Edmund Rutledge, a pro-
fessor in the University of Pennsylvania, he says: "I have
long since wished to see some Memoirs published of our
Clergy, who are now dead and gone, and such indeed
was my desire for it, that I actually made a considerable
number of sketches for that purpose. On this occasion
I applied to my brethren throughout these States, and to
many other members of our Church, but with little
success."

Those persons who have been so ready to believe that
the early clergy were men of loose morals would do well
to weigh the testimony of this investigator: "I found
the names of more than one thousand ministers of our
Communion before 1320, the most of whom are now
dead, and have left behind them a good character. In-
deed I found less bad characters than I had been led to
expect."

In the same letter he adds: "I have often thought,
and still do think, that a weekly paper, consisting of one
sheet, and an octavo form, might be made most useful
and pleasing to our people, containing historical nar-
ratives, wherein the origin of our parish churches and

1 A few of these sketches were published in the Calendar at Hartford
between June, 1854, and January, 1855.

The Rectors of St Peter's and St. Philip's 101

other circumstances relating to them, with sketches
of the Clergy might be given in order to enable the
historian to furnish a correct view of our ecclesiastical
state in this country."1

He lived to a great age. On the feast of S. Thomas,
1850, he reverently received the Holy Communion and
died the Sunday after Christmas aged ninety years and
seven months. An obituary notice says of him:

It may be truly said of the departed that he was a
great missionary. In five or more of our Dioceses he
officiated for more or less time; but the greater part
of his ministerial life, that is about forty years, was
passed in South Carolina. He was first missionary of
our "Advancement Society," and first missionary of
"the Society for Missions of Young Men and others,"
instituted in Charleston, which was intended to act
out of the diocese, and which continued until the
"General Missionary Society" superseded the use of it.
The Churches now flourishing in Columbia, Choran,
S. Augustine and Wadesborough were planted by him.
The old parishes of S. Bartholomew's, Edisto Island
and Christ Church, each of them for several years
found the benefit of his ministration. Few more
industrious men, physically, mentally and socially
have ever lived. "These hands," he could truly say,
"have ministered to my necessities and those who were
with me." Into the garden, the field, the orchard, the
vineyard and the forest, he went — not for recreation,
or to gain wealth, but to supply the deficiency of an
inadequate salary; for he coveted no man's silver or
gold, or apparel. More contentment, with the allot-
ments of Divine Providence; more confidence in God,
as respected himself and his family; more meekness

1 Letter in Hobart MSS. dated July 25th, 1830.

102 The History of St. Philip's Church

in his intercourse with men; more resignation in sick-
ness, sightlessness, adversity, bereavement and the
last conflict, I have not witnessed. He had a son in-
tended for Holy Orders ; much care was bestowed and
expense (involving serious self-denial) on his educa-
tion. It was finished with credit at one of our chief
colleges. The youth was now competent to provide
for himself, and was just about to become a candidate
for the ministry, but he died. It was a trial, met by
his aged father in the temper of faithful Abraham, and
with the resignation of holy Job.1

Mr. Fowler was succeeded in the Rectorship of St.
Peter's and St. Philip's on the 15th of December, 1794,
by the Rev. Samuel Haskell, who was in Deacon's
Orders. The Minute reads:

We, the Wardens and Vestrymen of the Protestant
Episcopal Church at Peeks Kill and in the Highlands
do hereby respectfully notify the Rt. Rev. Samuel
Provoost of the State of New York, that on the 15th
day of December last we did unanimously and delib-
erately make choice of and engage the Rev. Samuel
Haskell to take the rectorship of the aforesaid
Churches — We would further observe that by the
prudent and faithful discharge of his office he has
recommended himself to the good opinion of all ranks,
and denominations of people in this place. We re-
joice in the happy prospect we now have, that our
Churches will soon be raised to hold a rank with the
Church of Christ in this land. By our desire, and
the desires of the respective members of our Churches,
the Rev. Mr. Haskell goes to New York to obtain
from the Rev. Bishop the Orders of Priest, that he
may be enabled to minister to us the Holy Eucharist

1 Charleston Gospel Messenger, March 1st, 1851.

The Rectors of St. Peter's and St Philip's 103

on the next Easter — with the greatest respect we
subscribe ourselves

the Bishop's Most Obedient Humble Servants,

Silvanus Haight,

Caleb Morgan, Jr,

James Spock,

Jarvis Dusenbury,

Joshua Lancaster,

Elijah Morgan,

Henry Romer,

John Gee.
The above is a true copy of a letter sent to the
Rev. Samuel Provoost, Bishop of the State of New
York.

Duly ordained, on the 23rd day of February, 1795, the
Wardens and Vestry thus addressed Mr. Haskell:

We the Wardens and Vestrymen of the Protestant
Episcopal Churches at Peekskill and the Highlands,
having voluntarily and deliberately made choice of
the Rev. Saml Haskell to minister in holy things in
the aforesaid Churches, do now and hereby assign and
consign to him the Rectorship of the same, in testi-
mony whereof we hereby deliver to you Rev'd Sir,
the keys of the same, trusting that, through the
Grace of God, you will be enabled to discharge the
office as a good and faithful Minister of Christ.

The high hopes for prosperity were not fully realized.
Subscriptions fell off, and early in 1797 the Vestry,
"after taking into consideration the state of the respec-
tive Churches, are of the opinion that the annual salary
of the Rev. Mr. Haskell cannot be raised the ensuing
year, and that an address be presented to him, informing
him, that the Vestry thro inability of raising the money
by subscription, cannot think themselves bound to him

104 The History of St. Philip's Church

any longer than the 1st of February next." Sylvanus
Haight, Ebenezer Burling and James Douglass were
appointed a committee to draft the address, " which being
drafted is in the following words"

Sir,

The Wardens and Vestrymen of S. Peter's and S.
Philips Churches, having viewed with deep concern
for some months past, the rapid decline of religious
worship whereby the continuation of your annual
support is rendered impossible, have thought it their
indispensable duty to inform you thereof. Be
pleased, Sir, to accept of our best wishes for the zeal
you have always manifested in endeavoring to pro-
mote virtue and true godliness among the people, and
of enforcing your heavenly Father's Doctrine with
the energy so truly becoming the christian's char-
acter, and when your labours are finished here below,
may you meet with that reward, the best of all
Blessings — "Well done, thou good and faithful servant
enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." January 31st,
1797.

That there had been some friction between the Rector
and the Vestry is evident from this recorded resolution:
"Resolved, that all disputes and controversies heretofore
had between the Rev. Mr. Haskell and the Wardens and
Vestry should finally cease."

The Rector was requested to vacate the glebe by the
first of April, with the promise that "your salary will
be collected as quick as possible." Permission was also
granted him "to preach in either of the two Churches,"
his compensation to be "what collections may be made
during the service of the day." In May of the same
year the Vestry "resolved and agreed to continue the said

The Rectors of St. Peter's and St. Philip's 105

Mr. Haskell as Rector of the said Churches until the 10th
day of December next — at which time Mr. Haskell does
promise to relinquish his rectorship of said Churches, and
to remove from the parsonage by the first day of April
in the year 1798 — and the said Mr. Haskell agrees to
accept for this present years salary of what money can,
by proper exertions on the part of Wardens and Vestry,
be raised by subscription from the inhabitants in case
there should be a deficiency of forty pounds in each
Church — the said Wardens and Vestry do promise to
pay each of them the sum of twenty shillings beside
their subscription. The said Mr. Haskell is at liberty
to absent himself occasionally, not to exceed two weeks
at a time."

These terms were accepted by Mr. Haskell in the
following communication:

I do hereby certify my approbation of the above
resolve of the Wardens and Vestry, and also agree
not to demand any money from them for my minister-
ial services the present year, more than what can be
raised by subscriptions, and in case of a deficiency,
of a dividend among said Wardens and Vestry of
twenty shillings each.

Witness my hand Samuel Haskell,

Peekskill, Rector of the above mentioned

6th May, 1797 Churches.

In November the Vestry met and "examined the
different accounts and receipts and found due to the
Rev. Samuel Haskell the sum of seventy-four pounds
towards salary, besides what has been raised by sub-
scription, for which sum of seventy-four pounds the order
is now given to the aforesaid Samuel Haskell upon the

106 The History of St. Philip's Church

Corporation of Trinity Church in consequence of their
donation to the aforesaid Churches: which order, to-
gether with the money which is due on the subscription
paper at Peekskill, for the purpose of raising a salary for
the aforesaid Samuel Haskell, he the said Samuel
Haskell, does accept for the arrearages of salary without
any further demands on the aforesaid Churches."

It was further agreed that "Mr. Caleb Ward and Mr.
Caleb Morgan are appointed as a committee to examine
and take charge of the parsonage house and farm when-
ever the Revd Mr. Haskell is disposed to give it up."

At the close of 1797 Mr. Haskell became Rector of
Christ Church, Rye.

The Rev. Samuel Haskell was born near Boston in
1762, being a descendant of Roger Haskell, one of the
founders of Salem in 1639. At the age of nineteen he
entered the Army and served under General Knox when
New York was evacuated by the British troops in 1783.
The following year he was honorably discharged on a
sergeant's pension, and graduated from Yale in 1790.
For two years he was a tutor in Queen's College, New
Jersey. For four years he was Rector of Rye, and then
took charge of the historic parish of Christ Church,
Boston. He died at New Rochelle on the 24th of
August, 1845.

After Mr. Haskell's departure from the united parishes
there appears to have been no minister for at least four
years, and no recorded attempt to secure one. In 1801
"Benjamin Douglas was appointed to call upon the
Bishop and make enquiry respecting the probability of
getting a preacher for our two Churches." Douglas
being unable to make the journey to New York, "Joshua

The Rectors of St. Peter's and St. Philip's 107

Lancaster was appointed in his stead, and did go and
make the above enquiry," and he was paid two pounds
for the journey. He reported that "if a minister offered
the Bishop would send one to us." In the Fall the
application to the Bishop was renewed, and Douglas
"called on the Bishop for a minister, and could not obtain
any until Spring." At the Vestry meeting of November
6th, 1801, it was resolved " that the doors of the Churches
be shut against Mr. Palmer for the future," but who
Mr. Palmer was history sayeth not.

For nine years the parish was without a regular Rector,
and occasional services were held as clergymen could be
obtained. On May 20th, 1804, James Mandeville was
paid £3-13-0 "for keeping of the Rev. Messers Cooper
and Wilkins." Mr. Cooper was Rector of St. John's,
Yonkers, and Mr. Wilkins of St. Paul's, East Chester.

The long interregnum was broken on April 7th, 1806,
when the Vestry voted that — "the Rev. Joseph Warren
should be Rector of the united churches of S. Peter's in
Cortlandt Town and S. Philip's in Philipstown, and that
notice of the same should be transmitted to the Bishop
of New York by the Wardens."

His stipend was fixed at "two hundred dollars, to-
gether with the Glebe," and that was paid in small
instalments as witness this entry in the Minutes,

October 5th, 1807 Paid to the Rev. Joseph Warren
cash 5 dollars.

James Mandeville.

Mr. Warren's ministry lasted barely two years, for on
March 11th, 1809, it was voted that "Henry Garrison

108 The History of St, Philip's Church

and James Mandeville be chosen a committee to wait on
the Bishop to intercede for a Clergyman," and the same
year Jacob Lent, the schoomaster in the Highlands, was
paid twenty -five dollars for "reading services in both
Churches.' The committee appointed to see the Bishop
reported that he "told them there was no Candidate at
present, and that he would charge his memory with the
application."

Relief came on December 9th, 1809, when "the Rev.
Mr. Urquhart visited our two congregations and preach-
ed at Mr. MandevilPs, and is to preach at the Highlands
on Sunday 17th instant and the following Sunday at
Fishkill town." The Wardens and Vestry held a
special meeting at the house of James Mandeville in
Peekskill and "after hearing Mr. Urquhart deliver an
appropriate discourse, agreed that he should preach at
the Highlands and then at Fishkill, and on his return to
call the Wardens and Vestry to consult on the proper
mode of conducting the affairs of the said Churches and to
give a call to Mr. Urquhart, or other ways as the case
may appear most proper to the aforesaid Wardens and
Vestry."

The call was duly given on January 6th, 1810, and it
was voted that one hundred and thirty dollars be paid
him for his services to the first of May next. On April
17th, 1811, it was voted "that the Wardens and Vestry
sign the certificate to the Bishop of the Protestant Episco-
pal Church, New York, that John Urquhart has been duly
chosen rector of the two united Churches of St. Peters
and St. Philips."

Mr. Urquhart came to the parish from the North,
having served as rector of St. Anne's, Fort Hunter, and

W e
H

t— i
W
U
W

-— ;_.»*

The Rectors of St. Peter's and St Philip's 109

St. John's, Johnstown, N. Y., the latter the historic
church built by Sir William Johnson. Of his work there
we get a glimpse in the "Reminiscences of Bishop Chase"
who says that in 1798 Mr. Urquhart was one of the three
clergymen "above the Highlands."1 Writing of his
journey to found the church in Utica the Bishop says :

Although some distance out of the way I could not
deny myself the pleasure of going to Johnstown to
visit my fellow laborer in the gospel, the Rev. Mr.
Urquhart. Here I had the pleasure of beholding a
goodly stone church, with an organ, built by Sir
William Johnson, and endowed by that munificent
person, with a glebe for the support of an Episcopal
clergyman. The Church had been recovered by an
appeal to the Legislature setting in Albany
but the glebe was still in the hands of those who had
seized on it in the time of the war . . . While
the Presbyterian Minister was maintained in comfort,
Mr. Urquhart received the support only of the few re-
maining Churchmen whom poverty had detained in
the place.2

It was therefore, possibly, owing to straitened circum-
stances that Mr. Urquhart became principal of the
Johnstown Academy from which position he came into
the Highlands. His Rectorship was a troubled one, and
ended under painful circumstances in 1813. The Vestry
voted "ten dollars to assist Mr. Urquhart to remove to
New York." One year later the Vestry of Trinity Parish
voted a gift of one hundred and fifty dollars to Mr.
Urquhart.3

1 Reminiscences of Bishop Chase, 2nd Edition, Vol. I, p. 22.

2 Ibid, Vol. I, p. 28.

3 Berrian's History of Trinity Church, p. 370.

110 The History of St. Philip's Church

Again the parish was left without the regular minis-
tration of the Church, but with the advent of John Henry
Hobart, the apostle of "Evangelical Truth and Apostolic
Order" to the bishopric of New York there came a new
sense of responsibility for the scattered sheep of the flock
of God. Bishop Hobart arranged that the rectors of the
parishes in the diocese should take under their charge
adjacent vacant cures and minister in them as opportu-
nity offered. In 1814 the Rev. Adam Empie, chaplain at
West Point, and the Rev. John Brown, rector of St.
George's, Newburgh, "were selected to supply the vacant
congregations at Peekskill and Philipstown."1 In 1815
Mr. Empie reported "That in compliance with the
appointments at the last Convention he has performed
services and preached two Sundays at Philipstown and
two Sundays at Peekskill, in each of which places he
administered the Holy Communion, of the advantage of
which they had for more than two years been deprived."2

The difficulty in obtaining a clergyman led to a sug-
gestion that St. Peter's and St. Philip's should unite with
Trinity Church, Fishkill, in calling the Rev. Petrus S.
Ten Broeck, a Deacon residing in New York, as Rector.
The Vestry so agreed, but the union was short lived.
In 1817 the Vestry addressed a letter to Mr. Ten Broeck
"to find out on what terms he will officiate as our Rector."
In June it was voted "that we give the Rev. Mr. Ten
Broeck such a call as is customary in like case in the
State of New York, and consider him our ' Rector.'
The stipend was fixed at three hundred dollars. He
ministered for one year and then became Rector of St.

1 Bolton's History of Westchester County, 1881, Vol. I, p. 136.

2 N. Y. Convention Journal, 1815.

The Rectors of St. Peter's and St Philip's 111

Paul's, Portland, Maine, where he remained until 1831.
Petrus Stuyvesant Ten Broeck was the son of Dirck
Ten Broeck, and his wife Cornelia Stuyvesant. He
married Lucretia Cutler of Portland, Maine. From 1831
to 1837 he was rector of Saccaoppa, from which place he
went to Concord, New Hampshire. He died at North
Andover, Massachusetts, on January 24th, 1849.

In 1820 the Rev. Isaac Wilkins was minister-in-charge
for a brief period, and two years later Harry Garrison was
instructed "to call on the Rev. Mr. Wm. Thomas and see
if he will come and preach for us, and on what terms."
The visit was fruitless. For five years the parish was
vacant, and in 1826 the Reverend Edward I. Ives
arrived with letters of Recommendation from Bishop
Hobart.1 He assumed the charge of the united Churches
at a salary of "three hundred dollars, and more if it can
be raised," and in 1827 he was re-engaged for another
year at a salary of four hundred dollars.

The effort to raise money for his support was made in
the following appeal:

We whose names are hereunto subscribed promise
to pay James Mandeville, Daniel Wm. Birdsall and
John Oppie, or either of them, the sums set opposite
to our respective names for the purpose of compensat-
ing the Rev. Mr. Ives in part for his services in
preaching in S. Philip's Church in Philipstown, and
S. Peter's Church in Cortlandtown for one year
from the 4th day of June instant. That is to say,
one Sunday in S. Peter's Church and the next Sunday
in S. Philip's Church and so on through the year.
The one half of the money to be paid by the first day

1 Hobart MSS.

112 The History of St. Philip's Church
of November next if demanded, and the residue at the

expiration of the year.

Cortlandtown, 21st June, 1826.

Pierre Van Cortlandt

20.00

James Mandeville

5.00

John Oppie

5.00

Stephen Currey

1.00

Isaac Purdy

5.00

Danl. Wm Birdsall

5.00

James Wiley

5.00

Jared Slon

2.00

Benjamin Ward

1.00

James Brewer

1.00

William Haight

1.00

Israel Jacob

2.00

John T. Gomier

1.00

Ann Sherwood

.50

John Currey

1.00

Jonathan Ferris

1.00

Allen B. Hazen

1.00

George Fowler

2.00

Edward B. Rathbone

10.00

Sarah Dusenbury

2.00

Ward B. Howard

1.00

G. Conklin

1.00

Caleb Morgan

4.00

John Miller

1.00

Nicholas Aray

$77.25

Inasmuch as all the foregoing names were residents of
Cortlandtown, doubtless a similar list was circulated at
Philipstown, and to these donations must be added the
rent of the glebe farm, which was part of the rector's

The Rectors of St Peter's and St. Philip's 113

remuneration. A note in the minute book says: "Mr.
Ives left the parish for a call at the Eastward at the close
of his year in 1829 — from which time the churches were
unprovided with a clergyman until Mr. Sunderland was
called in December, 1832."

The late Samuel Gouverneur thus records the advent
of Mr. Sunderland:

Friday, 28th of December, Rev. Mr. Sunderland
arrived with letter from Bishop Onderdonk — Vestry
meeting held at Crofts.

Sunday December 30th, Mr. Sunderland preached

in S. Philips Church with a pretty good congregation

— remained till the 1st of April at the rate of $300

per annum.1

Mr. Sunderland had formerly been a Baptist minister.

He was ordered Deacon in Ascension Church, New York,

on Friday, November 16th, 1832, by Bishop Onderdonk,

and advanced to the priesthood by the same Bishop on

Thursday, May 9th, 1833, in the Church of St. Philip's

in the Highlands. He served the parish until 1835

when he was succeeded by the Rev. Charles Luck who

continued until May 1st, 1836, and was paid $340. for

the year. Mr. Luck was ordained in England and

received into the Diocese of New York in 1835. Three

years later he returned to England.2 He appears to have

1 MS. Journal.

2 N. Y. Convention Journal, 1839.

114 The History of St. Philip's Church

been the last clergyman to minister to both churches,
which were rapidly drifting towards the separation
which was finally effected in 1840. For four months of
1836 the Rev. Mr. Peake officiated at St. Philip's and at
Cold Spring, and then removed to Missouri.

In September of that year the Rev. Henry L. Storrs
took charge of St. Philip's and remained long enough to
witness the consecration of the Church in 1837. The
Rev. E. C. Bull ministered from 1838 to 1839, and was
succeeded by the Rev. Ebenezer Williams, who a few
months later became Rector of the parish on its incor-
poration in 1840.

CHAPTER V.

ST. PETER'S CHURCH AND ST. PHILIP'S CHAPEL
WARDENS AND VESTRYMEN

1770-1840

MORE than passing mention should be made of
the faithful men who administered the tem-
poralities of the united Churches from 1770
until 1840, when each church became an independent
parish.
The following is a list of the Wardens and Vestrymen :

CHURCHWARDENS

Beverly Robinson

Charles Moore

Daniel Birdsall

Jeremiah Drake

William Denning

Caleb Ward

Lt. Gov1, Pierre Van Cortlandt

Silvanus Haight

Caleb Morgan

Joshua Nelson

Daniel Haight

Daniel William Birdsall

James Mandeville

Harry Garrison

Major Bernard Hanlon

General Pierre Van Cortlandt

VESTRYMEN

Thomas Davenport
John Johnson
Caleb Ward

(Warden, 1790)
Joshua Nelson

(Warden, 1797)
Jeremiah Drake

(Warden, 1774)

James Mandeville
(Warden, 1801).
Benjamin Douglass
John Jones, Jr.
Isaac Purdy
Cornelius Nelson
William Lancaster
Joseph Ferris

116 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

Henry Purdy
Daniel Birdsall

(Warden, 1772)
Peter Drake
Caleb Morgan

(Warden, 1795)
David Penoyer
Francis Pemart
Peter Corney
James Spock
Richard Arnold
Silvanus Haight

(Warden, 1795)
Jarvis Dusenbury
Isaac Davenport
Benjamin Ward
Joshua Lancaster
Henry Romer
Elijah Morgan, Jr.
Daniel Haight

(Warden, 1800)
Isaac Mead
John Gee
Ebenezer Burling
Harry Garrison

(Warden, 1808)
William Douglass
William Bates
Smith Jones
James Douglass
Justus Nelson
Daniel William Birdsall

(Warden, 1800)
John Nelson
Thomas Henyon

Isaac Hurd

Jacob Nelson

Joseph Hopper

Major Bernard Hanlon

(Warden, 1808)
Nicholas Nelson
Jacob Lent
William Nelson
Elisha Covert
John Oppie

Captain Frederick Philips
William Denning

(Warden, 1790)
William Henderson
Mephiboseth Nelson
Jonathan Ferris
Stephen Nelson
Tunice Cronk
Pierre Van Cortlandt
William B. Birdsall
John Garrison
James Wiley
John T. Gomier
Frederick P. Gouverneur1
Allen B. Hazen
Samuel Gouverneur
Richard Hopper
Cornelius Mandeville
Gouverneur Kemble
John F. Haight
Isaac Seymour
Samuel Marks
A. E. Watson
John Uhl
Henry Casimir de Rham

1 Afterwards known as Frederick Philipse.

The Wardens and Vestrymen 117

CLERKS TO THE VESTRY

John Johnson 1770 John Jones, Jr. 1805

Daniel Birdsall 1771 Nicholas Nelson 1808-9

James Clark 1772 Harry Garrison 1810-24

Henry A. Cooper 1791 William Birdsall 1825

Caleb Morgan | John Garrison 1826-37

Isaac Mead j Frederick Philipse 1838-40

COLONEL BEVERLY ROBINSON (1770-74) was
the principal personage of his time in the Highlands, the
first Church Warden of the parish and the founder and
principal benefactor of St. Philip's Chapel. Indeed, but
for his zeal and liberality, it is difficult to see how the
church could have been established and maintained at so
early a period. The Robinson family came from Cleasby,
in the county of Yorkshire, England. Perhaps the most
famous of them was Dr. John Robinson, who became
Bishop of Bristol, and British Envoy for some years at the
Swedish Court. In 1713 he was translated to the See
of London. He was also British Plenipotentiary at the
treaty of Utrecht, being the last bishop employed on a
political mission. The first member of the family to
migrate to the American colonies was Christopher, a
nephew of the Bishop. He was a vestryman in the
parish of Middlesex, Virginia, in 1664, and married Miss
Bertram.1 His eldest son, John, afterward President of
the Colony of Virginia, was born in 1683, and married
Catharine Beverley, daughter of Robert Beverley,
author of the History of Virginia, published in 1708.

1 Bishop Meade, Old Churches and Families of Virginia, Vol. I,
p. 378. Cf. Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vols. XVI
and XVII for a series of valuable articles on "The Robinson Family
of Middlesex, Va."

118 The History of St. Philip's Church

Of this marriage there were seven children, amongst
whom was Beverly. Another son, John, was Speaker
of the House of Burgesses when Patrick Henry made
his famous "treason" speech. His grave is marked by
the following epitaph:

Beneath this place lieth all that could die of the late
worthy John Robinson, Esq., who was a Representa-
tive of the county of King and Queen, and Speaker
to the House of Burgesses above twenty-eight years.
How eminently he supplied that dignified office, and
with what fidelity he acted as Treasurer to the
country beside, is well known to us, and it is not un-
likely future ages will relate. He was a tender hus-
band, a loving father, a kind master, a sincere friend,
a generous benefactor, and a solid Christian. Go,
reader, and to the utmost of your power imitate his
virtues.

Young Beverly grew up a contemporary and friend of
George Washington, and their friendship continued until
differing convictions ranged them in opposite camps
during the War of the Revolution. It was on the strength
of this old association that Robinson afterward appealed
to Washington on behalf of the unfortunate Andre.

Beverly Robinson early manifested his loyalty to the
Crown. In the year 1746 "he raised a Company in the
Service of the King and Government of Great Britain on
an Expedition then intended against Canada, and was
ordered with his company to the Colony of New York;
on the frontiers of the said Colony he did Duty (the
greater part of the time) until the conclusion of that
War, when the forces raised for the Expedition were
Disbanded.' '

The Wardens and Vestrymen 119

The rapid growth of the city of New York attracted
Mr. Robinson, and at the close of the Canadian episode
he settled there,1 living in a corner house near the Long
Bridge. In Colonial times the aristocrats were for the
most part engaged in mercantile pursuits, and Beverly
Robinson became one of their number, associating him-
self in business with Oliver De Lancey, who afterwards
commanded a loyalist brigade in the Revolution. The
following advertisement appeared in the New York
Mercury for May 28th, 1759:

De Lancey, Robinson & Co have removed their
Store to the House2 where the late Colonel Joseph
Robinson lived, being the corner house next the
Royal Exchange.

There lived in New York at that time Frederick
Philipse, nephew and heir of Adolph Philipse, to whom
William III, in 1697, had granted an extensive tract of
land bordering the Hudson river. To one of his three
daughters, Susannah, whom he describes as "a lady of
one of the best families with an ample fortune," Beverly
Robinson was married on July 7th, 1748.

About twelve years before the outbreak of the War of
the Revolution Mr. and Mrs. Robinson "retired into the
country and settled in the county of Dutchess where his
Estate laid." They took up their abode at Beverly, a
mansion which he describes as "a wooden house lined
with brick; it was," he adds, "originally begun in 1758,
but was added to afterwards." This house became

1 He appeared as a witness to the will of David Clarkson, dated
August 31st, 1749, and proved August 31st, 1751. (N. Y. Historical
Society Collections, 1895, p. 340.)

2 Afterwards Fraunce's Tavern.

120 The History of St. Philip's Church

historic in the annals of the Revolution. The head-
quarters of Heath, Parsons and Putnam, it was fre-
quently visited by Washington when in the Highlands,
and from its breakfast table Benedict Arnold made his
hasty flight when he found that his treason was dis-
covered.1

After the forfeiture of the Robinson estate Beverly
was leased by the Commissioners on February 19th,
1779, to Sampson Dyckman at a rental of £36 per annum.
His tenancy continued until 1785, when the house was
purchased by William Denning, a merchant of New York.
The homestead was unfortunately destroyed by fire on
March 17th, 1892.

Mr. Robinson's wealth and character combined to
make him the most influential resident of the southern
section of Dutchess County. The upper Philipse patent
embraced the whole of what is now Putnam County, and
was divided amongst the three surviving children of
Frederick Philipse, Frederick, Susannah, the wife of
Beverly Robinson, and Mary. Frederick Philipse died
young, leaving several children and a widow, who sub-
sequently married the Rev. John Ogilvie, an Assistant
Minister of Trinity Church. Mary married Colonel
Roger Morris of the British Army.

Robinson's estate of 60,000 acres consisted of five
parcels, which are fully described in his claim against the
British Government, above referred to. The first
comprised so much of Philipstown as lies south of Garri-

1 On January 15th, 1781, Solomon Blindering, a British spy,
reports: "There are no troops at Col. Robinson's house which is
converted into a Hospital." (Magazine of American History, Vol.
X, p. 339-40.)

tfbea ■ tffodittSim-

Church Warden, 1770-1774

The Wardens and Vestrymen 121

son Station, including the churchyard; the second, all of
the town of Putnam Valley, with so much of Philipstown
and of Kent as lie to the northward thereof; the third
of about one half of the town of Patterson; the fourth of
some 2,000 acres in what is now Dutchess County, and
the fifth of 72 acres of meadow land near Constitution
Island, which was then considered to have an especial
value. On these lands Mr. Robinson had 146 tenants.
His home was in the first parcel, at what has since been
known as the "Beverly House." Mr. and Mrs. Robin-
son were the only residents representing the Philipse
family.

Himself a practical farmer on a large scale, he was an
admirable landlord, treating his tenants with the greatest
consideration. Before the Royal Commissioners in 1785,
Captain Duncan Campbell testified that "Mr. Robinson
was not only beloved and respected by his tenants, but
was also universally respected and esteemed by all in
the County in which he lived."

To the cultivation of his own 1500 acre farm and the
oversight of his extensive estate he added the ownership of
two large grist and saw mills and potash works. The
larger of the two was on the Morris part of the Philipse
patent and is marked on Erskine's military map as
"Robinson's Mill," standing on the outlet to Lake
Mahopac. It is said to have been erected in 1756, and
was constructed of massive timbers covered with cedar
and painted red. In this enterprise Colonel Roger
Morris was a silent partner, and prior to 1764 one Dickin-
son owned a third interest. The building originally cost
£800 and produced an annual return to each of the two
partners of £150. During the Revolution the mill and

122 The History of St. Philip's Church

store attached were seized by the American troops and
the contents confiscated, the stock being valued at
nearly £3,000. After the war "he heard the Mills were
sold to one Smith." They were finally demolished in
1881.

The other mill was located at Continental Village, near
Peekskill. In his evidence before the Commission in 1783
Mr. Robinson says, " I had on Lot No. 1 where the Rebels
built their Continental Village a Grist Mill & Fulling
Mill; they cleared me at least £100 a year and cost in
building upwards of £900."

Attached to each of these mills was a general country
store. The one at Mahopac was under the management
of Thomas Henderson, who estimated the value of the
stock, notes and book debts at £8,000. The Peekskill
store was burned by the "rebel" troops. The schedule
of the damage is set out as follows:

Seized or destroyed by the Rebels in the Store at

Peeks Kill. 132 Barrels fine flour taken by order of

the Prov1 Congress £285-12-0

Burnt in 13 Tons Pearl Ash 55 p Ton 715- 0-0

the 42 Barrels fine flour 76 Cwt @ 24/- 91- 0-0

Store at 33 Casks Cornel 85 do @ 17/

Peeks Kill. 2 Hhds Hams 1215 lbs @ 10d

40 Barrels Beef 58/

5Q do Pork 100/

30 Firkins Butter 1080 lbs 1/

Left in the Mill & Store at Philips Town & seized for

the use of the Rebel Army.

8584 Bushels Wheat 8/-

279 « Indian Corn 5/-

107 " FlaxSeed 8/-

231 « Oats 2/6

209 " Buck Wheat 2/6

72- 5-0

50-10-0

116- 0-0

280- 0-0

54- 0-0

seized for

1433 12

69 15

42 16

28 17

26 2

24/-

450

100/-

395

V-

58/-

34
165

The Wardens and Vestrymen 123

212 Barrels fine flour 375 cut
79 " Pork

1 Hhd. Hams 592 lbs ©

31 Firkins Butter 1102 lbs

12 Barrels Beef

3 Tons Pearl Ash £55 ton

8 Barrels Potash \% £45

The goods left in Store were valued at

300 bushels Wheat & other grain rec'd

for Toll vald at 5/- p 75 0 0

From a Memorand expressed these "Goods Notes
& Bonds exceeding £10 due to Messrs Morris &
Robinson's Store at Philips Town 1 Mar 1777
amounting to 1382 10

£6081 18 6

In addition to his large commercial interests Mr.
Robinson filled almost every public office in the com-
munity. He was the first Colonel of the Dutchess
County Militia. On May 4th, 1769, he became Judge
of the Court of Common Pleas, of which office he testifies,
"There was no salary attached to it; it was chiefly a
place of respect."1 This position he occupied until his
departure from the Highlands, his successor, Ephriam
Paine, not being appointed until 1787. Nor was he
indifferent to local civic duties. In 1763-5 he served as
Supervisor for the South Precinct of Dutchess, and in
1772 and 1774 he filled the same office in the newly

1 The Court of Common Pleas for Dutchess County was established
by Order in Council under Governor Burnet in the seventh year of the
reign of George III. It was ordered that "it shall be held and kept
at Poughkeepsie, near the Center of the County on the third Tuesday
in May, and the third Tuesday in October, yearly and every year for-
ever." (Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. Ill,
p. 588.)

124 The History of St. Philip's Church

created Philipse Precinct. In 1763 he was one of the
Commissioners and Paymasters to the forces raised in
the Colony of New York, having for colleagues John
Cruger and Peter Van Brugh Livingston.1

As befitted the son and grandson of Virginia Vestrymen
Beverly Robinson was a loyal and devoted son of the
Anglican Church in the American Colonies. Under
God, he was the founder of St. Philip's Chapel in
the Highlands. His gift of one acre of land made
possible its erection, and there is a tradition that he was
also the donor of the lumber out of which the building
was constructed. Without his generous benefaction of
200 acres of land for a glebe a minister could not have
been called and supported. Honored by election as
the first Church Warden of the united parish, on more
than one occasion he personally collected funds for the
support of the Rector and entertained him at Beverly
until such time as the parsonage was built. The last
recorded attendance of Mr. Robinson at a Vestry meet-
ing was on April 12th, 1774, "being Tuesday in Easter
week."

Into this placid life came the bitter strife which pre-
ceded and culminated in the memorable conflict between
the American Colonies and Great Britain, a conflict which
cost Beverly Robinson his fortune and his estate, and
drove him from the land of his birth an attainted exile.
For nearly a century and a half the tradition has per-
sisted that the Colonel took the King's side with the
greatest reluctance, and then only after a strong effort
to remain neutral. How that tradition was born it is
hard to say. President Dwight of Yale, who, as chap-

1 Colden Papers, Vol. I, p. 229.

The Wardens and Vestrymen 125

lain to the American troops, resided at Beverly in 1778,
writes: "When the Revolutionary War broke out Colonel
Robinson was induced, contrary as I have been informed
to his own judgment and inclination, by the importunity
of his friends, to take the British side of the question.
To him it appeared safer to act a neutral part and remain
quietly on his estate. The pressure, however, from
various sources was so strong against him that he finally
yielded."1 A careful examination of documentary evi-
dence fails to afford the slightest proof of such statements;
on the contrary, there is ample evidence that Mr. Robin-
son actively supported the cause of the King from the
moment that the conflict became acute in the Province
of New York.

In the year 1784, when living in London, the Colonel
presented an elaborate memorial to the Royal Commis-
sioners appointed to assess the losses and services of the
American Loyalists. This document, which has never
been published, sets forth at considerable length his
claim for pecuniary compensation, supported by the
testimony of various witnesses given under oath. Mak-
ing due allowance for the fact that it was to his interest
to magnify both his loyalty and his service, a perusal
of the documents places his sympathies with England
beyond question. He says, "That your Memorialist
from the very earliest period of the Rebellion exerted
himself in the discharge of his duty by endeavoring to
stop its progress ... he never signed any Asso-

1 Dwight's Travels in New England and New York, Vol. Ill, p.
429-30.

126 The History of St. Philip's Church

ciation, took any oath to, or in any degree countenanced
the measures of the Americans."1

It will be interesting to trace the sequence of the events
which led to his flight from the Highlands to enter the
military service of the Crown. Prior to the battle of
Lexington, which formally ushered in the War of the
Revolution, there was much political unrest throughout
the Colonies. The excitement spread to Dutchess
County, where, on March 21, 1775, a liberty pole was
erected two or three miles from Poughkeepsie, near the
house of Mr. John Bailey. The next day, in his capacity
as Judge of the Inferior Court, Mr. Robinson, together
with the Sheriff (Philip Livingston), two Justices of the
Peace, a Constable, "with some other friends to Consti-
tutional Liberty with good order," proceeded to the
place "and cut down the same as a public nuisance."2

Two months later came the proposal to send dele-
gates from Dutchess County to a Provincial Congress
for New York. Beverly Robinson strongly opposed the
step. He says, "Upon the first breaking out of the
Rebellion, on the proposal of sending members to the
Provincial Congress, he opposed that Measure in the
County wherein he lived, but was over-ruled by the
Majority — and from that period to the time he quitted
home he exerted all his influence in behalf of the British
Cause." The meeting to elect the delegates was held at
Poughkeepsie on Tuesday, May 16th, 1775, and the
certificate of election was signed by Bev. Robinson

1 The Proceedings of the Commissioners are contained in 46 Folio
MSS. volumes in the Public Library, New York. The case of Bev-
erly Robinson is in Volume XLIII, pp. 203-286.

2 American Archives, Fourth Series II, 176.

The Wardens and Vestrymen 127

and eight others — some of them Whigs.1 This Congress
was dissolved on November 14th, and Mr. Robinson was
elected a Deputy to the second Congress:

The Deputies of the County of Dutchess produced
a certificate from the committee of the said County
dated Novr 8th, 1775, and signed by Egbert Benson2
chairman, whereby it appears that Petrus Ten Broeck,
Beverly Robinson, Cornelius Humphreys, Henry
Schenck, Gilbert Livingston, John Kane, Jacob
Everson, Morris Graham and Robert G. Livingston
Esqrs, were elected Deputies for the said county, with
power to them to represent the said county in Pro-
vincial Congress for the Colony of New York.3

There is nothing to prove that Mr. Robinson accepted
this election; and the records show that he never sat
in the Provincial Congress. As might be expected
from the position he held in the County as a great land-
owner, strong and persistent efforts were made to secure
his active support for the American cause. Already
Colonel commanding the Dutchess Militia, it is evident
from the following letter that a proposal was made to him
to accept a commission in the troops being raised in
defence of the Colonies, but in vain. He writes:

Highlands, Sept 13th, 1775.
Sir,

Yesterday our precinct held a meeting and chose a
committee of twelve persons, out of which number

1 American Archives, Fourth Series II, 834-5.

2 Egbert Benson was Assemblyman from Dutchess County ; Attorney-
General for the State of New York and Commissioner of Conspiracies for
Albany and Dutchess Counties. In later years he was sent to Congress
and afterwards became a Justice of the Supreme Court of New York.

3 Calendar of Hist. MSS— War of Revolution, Vol. I, p. 190.

128 The History of St. Philip's Church

three are to attend the county committee, and suppose
they will soon as they conveniently can, proceed to the
choice of militia officers. As to the commission you
proposed to me, though I shall always be ready to
serve my country in any way in my power, yet for the
present I must decline accepting of it.

I have seen the person I mentioned to you as a
major and believe he will also decline taking that
commission, though he did not give me a positive
answer.

I am, Sir, yr most hum. serv.

Bev: Robinson.

Six days after the writing of the above letter the Com-
mittee of Safety appealed to the Colonel "at his seat in
the Highlands" to put a price on Martlaer's Rock,1 where
a fort was then being built "by order of the Continental
Congress." On October 2d he replies that the property
is that "of Mrs. Ogilvie and her children; was it mine,
the publick should be extremely welcome to it."2

Events in the State and the county were rapidly mov-
ing towards a crisis which was to force men to take a
definite side in the conflict. The American authorities
have sometimes been accused of harshness in their treat-
ment of the Loyalists, and in the heat of the strife there
were doubtless things done which were afterwards
regretted, for after all, as Sherman declared, "War is
Hell." But it should be remembered that the Provincial
Congress gave the Loyalists full opportunity to leave the
State, carrying with them their personal property.
Those, therefore, who disregarded that warning had no
legitimate ground of complaint when their goods were

1 Constitution Island.

2 American Archives, Fourth Series, III, p. 1274.

The Wardens and Vestrymen 129

confiscated. In Dutchess County grave difficulties
were experienced in raising Continental troops, and the
Tories proved both active and obstinate. The County
Committee complained that three most material wit-
nesses had "refused to be sworn and contemned the
authority of the committee." Whereupon the Provin-
cial Congress resolved "that any person male or female
who shall refuse (to testify) shall be committed into
custody at his expense there to remain until he does
qualify & testify."1 No wonder, under such circum-
stances, that Beverly Robinson asserts that "his position
was a very unpleasant one though he was not personally
molested."

At length the State took drastic measures "against the
wicked Machinations and Designs of the Foreign and
Domestic Foes thereof." The situation was critical.
The British were in possession at the south and invasion
was threatened from the north. Toryism was rampant,
and it became necessary to stamp out conspiracies
against the State. After various experiments a body
was created in 1778 entitled " Commissioners for Detect-
ing and Defeating Conspiracies in the State of New
York."2 The Commissioners were endowed with the
powers of a Star Chamber. They were authorized to send
alike for persons and papers; administer oaths and to
imprison those whose liberty threatened the safety of the
State. On the 20th of February, 1777, the Committee for

1 American Archives, Fourth Series, IV, p. 403.

2 For a full and admirable account of this Body see the Introduction
to Minutes of the Commissioners for Detecting and Defeating Con-
spiracies in the State of New York, Albany County Sessions, edited by
Victor Hugo Paltsits, Vol. I, pp. 1-61.

130 The History of St. Philip's Church

Dutchess County summoned Beverly Robinson to appear
before them for the purpose of taking the following oath :

We the subscribers do most solemnly swear on the
holy evangelists of Almighty God, that we do verily
believe in our Consciences that no Allegiance is due
from us to the King and Crown of Great Britain,
and we do accordingly disclaim and renounce all
Allegiance to the said King and Crown, and we do fur-
ther most solemnly swear that we consider ourselves
Subjects of the State of New York and that we will
in all Things demean ourselves as good & faithful
subjects of the said State ought to do; and as good
subjects of the said State, we will do our duty in pro-
moting its Safety, Independency & Honor. And we
do further most solemnly swear, that as good Subjects
of the State of New York we will do our Duty in
supporting the Measures of the General Congress of
the United States of America for the Establishment of
the Liberties & Independence of the Sd States in
opposition to the Arbitrary Claims, wicked usurpa-
tions and hostile Invasion of the King & Parliament
of Great Britain, their Agents & adherents, and that
we will make known and as good subjects of the said
State of New York do our duty in suppressing all
Treasonable Plotts or Conspiracies against the said
American States in General, or the State of New York
in particular which may come to our knowledge, and
we do further most solemnly swear on the Holy
Evangelists of Almighty God that we severally do
take this Oath voluntarily & mean to perform it,
without any mental reservation or equivocation what-

1 "A True Copy from the Minutes
Henry Peckwell, Secy to the
Commrs for Conspiracies &c."

The Wardens and Vestrymen 131

Obviously Beverly Robinson could take no such oath
and he writes, "They gave him till May following to give
his answr as to taking his Oath — but he declared he
would never take it." Remain in the county without
subscription he could not; all that he could do for the
King he had done, and "finding he had made himself
obnoxious to the Leaders, and that he could no longer
be of service to the King's cause in the County; he, on
the 5th of March, 1777, left his Family (except his
eldest Son who had made his Escape some months before)
and repaired to the City of New York."

Immediately on his arrival in the city he addressed a
letter to John Jay, "President of the committee before
which he had been summoned," presumably setting
forth his reasons for adherence to the Crown. That
interesting communication has not been found, but
Mr. Jay's answer, addressed to Mrs. Robinson in the
Highlands, exists in manuscript, though it has never been
published. It reads as follows :

Kingston, 21 March 1777.
Dear Madam,

Mr. Robinson's Letter directed to me as one of the
late Committee at Fish Kills, was delivered to the
Commissioners appointed for the like purpose at that
Place; from whom I have received a copy of it. As
I presume you cannot be unacquainted with its Con-
tents, many Reasons conspire in persuading me to take
the Liberty of troubling you with a few remarks on
that Subject.

Among the various Exertions of Power dictated by
self Preservation in the Course of the present war,
few give me more pain than those which involve
whole f amelies without Distinction of age or sex in
Calamity — and among the number of families threat-

132 The History of St. P hilip' s C hur ch

ened with these Calamities, permit me to assure you
Madam that I feel for none more sensibly than yours.

When your Friends reflect, that not only Mr. Rob-
inson's Estate, but the reputation and Influence he
has justly acquired; w become the Inheritance of
children who promise to do honor to their parents;
they can entertain few Ideas more painful, than those
which Arise from the Danger of your family's being
deprived of Expectations so well founded & so val-
uable; and of a Lady's being subjected to all the an-
guish of misfortune & Disappointment, who hath so
uniformly promoted the happiness & prosperity of
others. Pardon my calling attention to subjects so
delicate though interesting. Mr. Robinson has put
his own, and the happiness of his family at hazard, and
for what? For the sake of a fanciful regard to an
Ideal Obligation to a prince, who on his part disdains
to be fettered by any obligation, a prince who with his
Parliament, arrogating the attributes of Omnipotence,
claims a right to bind you and your children in all
cases whatsoever.

Persuaded that all former Oaths of Allegiance were
demolished by his usurpation, does he not daily at-
tempt to bind the Inhabitants of this Country by new
ones? If he deemed the former Oaths valid, why this
Exaction of new obligations of Allegiance. Can you
on such principles think of quitting a people who re-
spect you, a Habitation and a Country which afford
you every Necessary every Convenience? Remember
that should you carry your numerous Family to New
York, Famine may meet you & incessant anxiety ban-
ish your peace. The fortune or Policy of War may
induce and oblige your Protectors to remove from
that place to some other part of the Continent, per-
haps to Europe. Picture to your Imaginatn a city
beseiged, yourself & children mixt with contending
armies — Should it be evacuated, where & with whom

The Wardens and Vestrymen 133

& in what manner are you next to fly — can you think of
living under the restless wings of an army — Should
Heaven determine that America shall be free, in what
country are you prepared to spend the remainder of
your days & how provide for your children. These
things it is true may not happen, but don't forget that
they may — admit they shod not — suppose Heaven
unjust — Britain Victorious, and the Americans bound
in all cases whatsoever, will you ever Madam be able
to reconcile yourself to the mortifying Reflection of
being the Mother of Slaves. For who are slaves but
those who in all cases without Exception are bound to
obey the uncontrolable Mandates of a Man — whether
stiled King or called Peasant.

Slaves Madam can have no property — they toil not
for themselves, but live mere Pensioners on the
Bounty of their Masters. And how contracted will
be the Bounty of those Masters, who know but too
well, that Poverty will be necessary to ensure Subjec-
tion. For the sake of everything dear to you Madam
be persuaded to prevail on Mr. Robinson to return,
and advise him to take an open, decisive part with his
Country. His attention to subjects in which Honor
as well as Duty may be concerned merits Commenda-
tion; and I still flatter myself that the same Atten-
tion to honor as well as Duty will yet render his
Character as distinguished by an Attachment to the
Interest and Rights of his Country as it has hitherto
been eminent for other Virtues. Be pleased to assure
him that I shall always think myself happy in being
useful to him in every occasion consistent with the
Duties I owe to that important cause to which after
the most mature consideration, I have chearfully de-
voted myself, Family & Fortune,
I am my dear Madam,

with perfect Esteem & Respect

Your Friend & ob1 Servant jonn jav

134 The History of St. Philip's Church

This noble and lofty appeal, breathing as it does the
spirit of truest patriotism, came too late; Beverly Robin-
son was already in New York raising a regiment for the
service of the King.

The powerful influences which had hitherto shielded
him from pecuniary loss were of necessity withdrawn.
Immediately on his departure his personal property was
seized by the Commissioners of Sequestration and ordered
for instant sale. A strong but vain appeal was made by
Mr. Samuel Verplanck to James Duane, then sitting in
Provincial Congress, to use his influence either to delay
the sale or suffer the family "to depart previous to it,
as you may well conceive their situation must be very
uncomfortable when stripped of everything necessary
for their subsistence." In the absence of Mr. Duane,
Governeur Morris writes that they are "so engaged in
the perusal of Dispatches from Congress & with some
important matters which more immediately claim their
attention that I cannot possibly obtain an Answer this
day, and the Vandue is it seems to commence tomorrow/ '
The sale therefore took place on April 21st, 1777, and
included the household furniture, live stock, farming
implements and the growing crops of fruit and grain.
Mrs. Robinson and her children departed from their
Highland home never again to return.

Even then the cup of their suffering was not full. On
the 22d day of October, 1779, the New York Legislature
passed an Act of Attainder, drafted by John Morin
Scott. By this Act the persons named therein were,
without a hearing of any sort, attainted, and their estates,
real and personal, confiscated. Their declared crime
was "adherence to the enemies of the State." The

The Wardens and Vestrymen 135

second section of the Act decreed that "each and every
of them who shall at any time hereafter be found in any
part of this State, shall be, and are hereby adjudged and
declared guilty of felony, and shall suffer Death as in
cases of felony, without Benefit of Clergy."1

In the long list of persons mentioned are found the
names of Beverly Robinson and his eldest son. Included
in the attainder were three women: Susannah, wife of
Beverly Robinson; her sister Mary, wife of Colonel
Roger Morris, and Margaret, wife of the Rev. Charles
Inglis, rector of Trinity Church, New York."2

By the provisions of this Act Beverly Robinson lost his
entire landed estate of 60,000 acres, together with his
two mills and well stocked stores. To this must also be
added his house in New York, which was destroyed by the
great fire of 1776, which started in a Whitehall grogshop
and consumed more than four hundred houses, including
Trinity Church, Rectory and Schools.3 Mr. Robinson,
in a detailed and careful statement, estimated his loss at
£79,980-3-0 Sterling.

We must now return to the military service of Beverly
Robinson in the War of the Revolution. Immediately
on his arrival in New York in March, 1777, he offered his
service to Sir William Howe, the British Commander,
and craved permission to raise a regiment for his Majes-
ty's service. The necessary authority was issued on

1 History of New York in the Revolution, Thomas Jones, Vol. I, p. 371.

2 There were many loyal supporters of the Revolution who strongly
disapproved of the Act of Attainder. John Jay, then Minister to
Spain, writes, May 6th, 1780, "If truly printed, New York is dis-
graced by Injustice too palpable to admit even of palliation." (Public
Papers of George Clinton, Vol. V, p. 685.)

3 Dix, History of Trinity Church, Vol. I, p. 390-1.

136 The History of St. Philip's Church

March 14th, and so rapidly did the recruiting proceed
that he and his men were ordered on duty the 13th of
May following. According to the official returns, the
Loyal American Regiment consisted of 10 companies,
numbering 33 officers and 394 men. Colonel Robinson,
who commanded the regiment says, "The Regiment he
raised was to have consisted of 500 Men, but he believes
he had no more than 250 Men fit for duty at a time as
they expended many." He also adds the interesting
fact, which is corroborated by Sir Henry Clinton, that
"many of these were his own Tenants and most of them
from his own Country." His own family was well
represented in the list of officers. Beverly, the younger,
was appointed a Captain in March, and on October 7th
was gazetted Lieutenant-Colonel.1

1 Beverly Robinson, the younger, who was born March 5th, 1751,
graduated at King's College and studied law under James Duane. He
married, at Flushing, Ann Dorothea Barclay, daughter of the late Rev.
Henry Barclay, formerly Rector of Trinity Church. He served in the
Loyal American Regiment throughout the War of the Revolution. On
the evacuation of New York in 1783 he went to Annapolis, Nova Scotia,
but soon removed to Nashwaaksis, opposite Fredericton, New Bruns-
wick. In 1790 he was appointed a member of the King's Council for the
Province. On the outbreak of the War of 1793 between France and
England he was appointed to the command of the King's New Bruns-
wick Regiment by Governor Thomas Carleton. In the Collections of
the N. B. Historical Society (1894) Mr. Jonas Howe writes: "To the
Commander — Lieut. Col. Robinson — was due the greater share of credit
for the discipline that marked the conduct of officers and men, either
at regimental headquarters, or the numerous posts along the frontiers
of the Province at which detachments were stationed. Honorable,
humane, just, Colonel Robinson acquired the respect of officers and
men under his command." At the close of the war he retired in com-
parative poverty to his farm. Whilst on a visit to his two surviving
sons in New York he died on October 6th, 1816, and was buried in St.
Paul's Churchyard.

The Wardens and Vestrymen 137

The second son, Frederick Phillipse, was made an
Ensign in August, 17781; Morris became Captain on
October 7th, 17772; and John, the fourth son, was only
fifteen years of age when he joined the regiment as
Ensign in November of the same year.3

The Loyal American Regiment saw considerable active
service during the War. When the men were little more
than raw recruits they took part in the capture of Forts
Clinton and Montgomery; in the Pennsylvania cam-
paign, in the attack on Stony Point, and later served in
the south under Lord Cornwallis. Attached to the
Loyal Americans were the Royal Guides and Pioneers,
consisting of 6 companies, 17 officers and 175 men, who
were also under the command of Colonel Robinson.

Beverly Robinson's own war record was honorable.
He served under Generals Sir Henry Clinton, Lord
Rawdon, Vaughan and Try on. As Colonel of the
Loyal American Regiment he received no pay, but
writes, "He was afterward appointed Colonel of Guides

1 At the close of the War Frederick Philipse Robinson accompanied
his father to England and joined the British Army. He fought with
great distinction under Wellington, attaining the rank of Lieutenant-
General. For his services he was made a Knight Commander of the
Bath. In the war of 1812 he commanded the English troops in the
attack on Plattsburgh. He died at Brighton, England, on January
1st, 1852, at the age of eighty-seven years.

2 After serving for some time in the Loyal American Regiment
Morris Robinson was transferred to the Queen's Rangers Hussars of the
regular army. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and died at
Gibraltar in 1815 at the age of fifty-six.

3 John Robinson went to New Brunswick in 1783 and four years
later married Elizabeth, daughter of the Hon. Chief Justice Ludlow.
In that province he filled almost every public office, including member-
ship in the King's Council. He died October 8th, 1828, during his
term of office as Mayor of St. John.

138 The History of St. Philip's Church

& Pioneers in which character he rec Pay of 20/ s a day
which he gave up for the Place of Commissary of Cattle
for which he received the same pay . . . was
constantly on Duty during the War, though not often
at the head of his Regiment, owing to a Difference respect8
the Rank of Provincial Officers as compared with the
Regular."

He did, however, take part in one stubborn fight. In
the fall of 1777 the position of the Continental troops on
the Hudson became critical. Burgoyne was endeavoring
to force his way from the north to Albany, and Sir Henry
Clinton moved his troops from New York up the river.
The Highlands were the key to the situation, and an
attack was planned upon Fort Montgomery, then garri-
soned by only about six hundred militia. Outwitting
General Israel Putnam by a skilful feint, Clinton divided
his forces and detached Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell,
with nine hundred men, to attack the fort from the rear.
The Americans fought stubbornly and Campbell was
killed. The command devolved upon Beverly Robinson
and he finally captured the position. Sir Henry Clinton
testified of him that "He distinguished himself on many
occasions, particularly at the taking of Fort Montgomery
where he behaved not only with Spirit and Courage but
with the utmost Humanity."

General Lord Rawdon adds, "As an officer he was
always desirous to exert himself and distinguished him-
self on the expedition against Fort Montgomery. His
attachment to the British cause was uniformly steady
and active."

In time of war one of the least obtrusive but most
important departments is that which is concerned with

The Wardens and Vestrymen 139

the gathering of information concerning the position,
resources and movements of the enemy. Of this depart-
ment Beverly Robinson was the chief in the New York
campaign. He testifies that "he was employed by Sir
Henry Clinton in the line of secret Intelligence, and had
the direction of the Guides," and Clinton himself adds,
"He attended Sir Henry in his expedition up the North
River where he was of the greatest service to him from
his knowledge of the country and the people
With respect to Intelligence, he was at the head of it."

There has been a disposition to censure Colonel
Robinson because of this association with spies, but it
should be remembered that such work, however dis-
tasteful, was strictly within the line of his military duty.
There can be no question but that Beverly Robinson
was an active agent in the Andre-Arnold episode. As
head of the Intelligence department he was undoubtedly
familiar with the secret correspondence between "Gus-
tavus" (Arnold) and "John Anderson" (Andre). If
further proof were needed it would be found in the explicit
statement, made under oath by Sir Henry Clinton before
the British Commissioners on December 16th, 1785,
"He (Robinson) likewise offered himself to Sir Henry
Clinton to do the very same service that Major Andre
afterwards did with respect to Mr. Arnold."

It is not therefore surprising that when a personal
interview between the two chief conspirators was first
arranged, and Arnold went down the river to Dobb's
Ferry on September 11th, 1780, to meet Andre, the latter
was accompanied by Beverly Robinson. The reason
for this is admirably set forth by Andre's biographer,
Winthrop Sargent:

140 The History of St. Philip's Church

Robinson's circumspect and cautious character
were thought needful to check the buoyancy of his
comrade, and he was likewise fully acquainted with
the pending negotiations. Indeed it was probably
through him that Arnold's first overtures were made.
But the large acquaintance and interests he had in the
region, and his knowledge of the country, made his
presence additionally desirable.1

The interview was frustrated because of the inoppor-
tune activity of a battery of guns, and Arnold returned
to West Point.

Five days later Robinson again went up the river on
the Vulture and anchored at Teller's Point. He dis-
patched a letter to Arnold proposing another meeting,
which was eventually arranged. On September 20th
Andre went on board the vessel with every prospect of
consummating the deal. "Andre," writes Sargent, "had
boarded the Vulture in the highest spirits, and confident
of success; nor was even the cautious and circumspect
Robinson disposed to believe in failure. In fact Robin-
son was placed in his present position because, among
other reasons, his character for clear-headedness stood as
high as his reputation for probity and honor; and it was
intended that should the negotiations be consummated
by Andre rather than himself, he should at least exercise
a wholesome check on his companion's buoyancy."

When Arnold insisted upon a meeting within the
American lines Robinson's caution manifested itself,
and he refused to leave the ship. Andre's consent to
the proposal proved his undoing. When the news of his

1 The Life and Career of Major John Andre, by Winthrop Sargent,
Edited by William Abbatt, p. 295.

The Wardens and Vestrymen 141

capture reached the Vulture Beverly Robinson made
one supreme effort to secure his release. Distasteful as
it must have been to him, he appealed to Washington
in the following letter:

Vulture off Sinsink, Sept. 25th, 1780.
Sir,

I am at this moment informed that Major Andre,
Adjutant Genl. of His Majesty's Army in America,
is detained as a prisoner by the army under your com-
mand. It is therefore incumbent on me to inform
you of the manner of his falling into your hands : He
went up with a flag, at the request of General Arnold,
on publick business with him, and had his permit to
return by land to New York; under these circumstan-
ces Major Andre cannot be detained by you, without
the greatest violation of flags, and contrary to the cus-
tom and usage of all nations, and as I imagine you
will see this matter in the same point of view as I do,
I must desire you will order him to be set at liberty,
and allowed to return immediately. Every step
Major Andre* took was by the advice and direction of
General Arnold, even that of taking a feigned name,
and of course not liable to censure for it. I am, Sir,
not forgetting our former acquaintance, your very
H. Sert.

Bev. Robinson, Colo.

Early in 1783 it became evident that the War of the
Revolution was nearing its end. The King's speech at
the opening of Parliament forecasted Articles of Peace
and on the 19th of April Washington announced the
cessation of hostilities between the United States of
America and the King of Great Britain. The day pre-
vious a schooner sailed up the Hudson to Newburgh,
"the first American vessel which had come up the river

142 The History of St. Philip's Church

since the British took possession of New York in the year
1776." 1 These conditions brought the English face to face
with the problem of caring for the men of the Provincial
Corps who had surrendered homes and occupations for
the king. Some place of refuge where they could maintain
themselves had to be provided, and in the month of April
Beverly Robinson and Cruger, of De Lancey's Brigade, ad-
dressed a circular to the commanding officers suggesting
the dispatch of an agent to Nova Scotia "for the purpose
of soliciting and securing grants of lands." 2 Sir Guy Carle-
ton seconded their efforts by sending Thomas Wetmore
of Westchester County to the country adjacent to Nova
Scotia to lay out lands for the loyalists. His instructions
were brief but to the point : " You are to provide an asylum
for your distressed countrymen. Your task is arduous,
execute it like a man of honor. The season for fighting
is over — bury your animosities and persecute no man.
Your ship is ready and God bless you."3

The land eventually selected was on the west side of
the Bay of Fundy — a tract which had hitherto been
peopled by a few Acadians and Indians. On that in-
hospitable shore, in the autumn of 1783, some fourteen
thousand souls landed. They were without shelter and
short of food, but set about the task of turning the
barren land into a garden. Amongst these refugees were
not a few of the men of Beverly Robinson's regiments.
The Fort Howe muster roll of September 25th, 1784,
shows 95 men, 39 women, 77 children and 8 servants
belonging to the Loyal Americans, and 176 either serving

1 Heath's Memoirs of the American War, p. 387

2 The Winslow Papers, p. 81.

3 Ibid p. 508-9.

The Wardens and Vestrymen 143

in or dependent upon the Guides and Pioneers.1 In-
cluded in the number was the Rev. John Beardsley,2
former rector of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, and
chaplain to the regiment.

Though Colonel Robinson did not accompany his men
to New Brunswick there is reason to believe that such
was his original intention; upon no other basis can we
account for his appointment as a member of the King's
Council for that Province. He, however, elected to
spend his exile in Great Britain.

From contemporary documentary evidence it would
seem that the Robinsons were in financial straits through
their devotion to the British cause. Nineteen days
before he left the shores of America forever Colonel
Robinson addressed to Sir Guy Carleton the following
pathetic but dignified letter:

1 The Winslow Papers, p. 244.

2 Rev. John Beardsley was born April 23rd, 1732, at Rep ton, Conn.,
and was baptized by Rev. Dr. Samuel Johnson of Stratford. He studied
for two years at Yale and then entered King's College of which Dr.
Johnson had become first President. Proceeding to England he was
ordained by Archbishop Seeker at Lambeth on August 23d, 1761, and
on his return took charge of the churches at Norwich and Groton. For
ten years he was Rector of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, and Trinity,
Fishkill. Mr. Beardsley was an ardent Tory and on December 13th,
1777, was ordered by the Committee of Safety to remove to New York,
which was then in the hands of the British. He then became chaplain
to the Loyal American Regiment of which Beverly Robinson was
Colonel. At the close of the War he migrated to Canada and for fifteen
years was Rector of Christ Church, Maugerville, N. B. From 1793 to
1802 he also served as chaplain to the King's New Brunswick Regiment
commanded by Beverly Robinson, junior. The later years of his life
were spent in retirement at Kingston, N. B., where he enjoyed a
pension from the British Government. He died on his birthday, in
1809, and was buried in the chancel of Trinity Church, Kingston.

144 The History of St . Philip* s Church

New York, June 6th, 1783.
Sir,

I beg leave to address your Excellency in this way
and to lay before you my unhappy situation, having
neither resolution nor Confidence to do it personally.

The time for his Majesty's Troops finally quitting
this place seems to be so near at hand, that I am under
the greatest anxiety for the future Comfort and safety
of my family; And would therefore wish with your
Excellency's permission and approbation to go imme-
diately with them to England. But, Sir, I must con-
fess to you, that my circumstances are so very dis-
tressing that I cannot leave this place, without some
assistance from Government, to enable me to dis-
charge those debts I have been under the necessity of
Contracting since I joined the King's Army, incurred
chiefly by raising a Regiment for the King's Service,
which I have been endeavouring to pay off with all the
savings I could make from my subsistence, but the
necessary support of a large family has prevented me
from Accomplishing of it as yet.

I would therefore; humbly ask, that you would be
pleased to advance me Six months pay for both my
Commissions, from the 24th & 30th of this month.
I am induced to make this applycation at present,
because Cap* Sweney of the Assureance has not only
Offered but presses us in the most friendly manner to
go home with him, and I would wish to be ready, to
accept of his kind offer, whenever he is Ordered to go.

My son the Lieu* Col° will continue with the
Reg*, He and my son John, a Lieu* will go with the
Reg* to Nova-Scotia to join in the Settlement of that
Country; my other Sons will follow the fate of the
Regimts they belong to.

I would beg the leave of telling your Excellency that
I have lost as good an Estate by this Unhappy War as
most people in this Province very few Excepted,

The Wardens and Vestrymen 145

But I never had any Idea nor the least Expectation
that Goverm* would or indeed could repay me for
those losses should the war End in the unhappy man-
ner it has ; But Sir, I always hoped and Expected that
one who had Sacrificed so much property not by being
a nominal & passive Loyalist; but by taking an Active
part, from the very first rise of the Rebellion, in favor
of the King & Constitution of Great Britain, and ever
endeavouring to restore their Authority in this Coun-
try, would not be neglected, but have some provision
made for him that would give his family a Comfort-
able Support during their lives; I shall with great
Humility Submit myself intirely to yr Excellency's
direction, being with the greatest Esteem & Respect
Yr Excellency's
mo* Ob* & mo8 Hum1 Ser*
Sir Guy Carleton, K.B. &c. Bev. Robinson1

What answer was made to this we do not know, but
Ward Chipman writes to Edward Winslow from New
York under date of June 25th, 1783: "Col. Robinson and
his family are sailed for England in the Lion."2

Mr. Robinson departed with commendatory letters
from the Governor to Lord North and Sir George
Yonge, Bart. The former reads as follows:

My Lord, June 17th> 1783

Colonel Beverly Robinson of the loyal American
Regiment who will have the Honour of delivering this

1 Manuscripts in the Royal Institution of Great Britain, London,
1777-1783. American Loyalists — Transcript of various Papers relating
to the Losses, Services and Support of the American Loyalists and to his
Majesty's Provincial Forces during the War of American Independence,
preserved amongst the American Manuscripts in the Royal Institution
of Great Britain, London. 1777-1783. Transcribed for the New York
Public Library, 1903. Vol. V, p. 4.5-7.

2 Winslow Papers, p. 198.

146 The History of St. Philip's Church

letter is a gentleman greatly distinguished for his
Probity and general worth and whose Possessions in
this Country were very large and whose Family was
numerous and bred up in expectations of oppulence
& Honour. It is among the severest Calamities of the
Time that a Gentleman of this Description should be
obliged with the Female Part of his Family to seek aid
and Protection in a Country to which the simplicity
of his Manners may not perfectly Correspond but I
entertain no Doubt that your Lordship's Reception
of Him will be such as to soften those Evils which on
account of his Truth & unshaken loyalty & Fidelity
he is obliged to undergo,

Guy Carleton.1
R* hoble Lord North.

On his arrival in London he took up his residence at
Mortlake on the river Thames. His situation is best
summed up in the words of his memorial: •

His family now with him in England consists of his
Wife, one Son and two daughters most tenderly
brought up, and these with himself driven from the
enjoyment of every part of his valuable property, of
which there remains no hope of recovr7 to a family
that has taken so decided a part in the Cause of their
Sovereign and the British Constitution
thus reduced from ease and affluence to his present
State, the pleasing Expectations of his family de-
stroyed and at an advanced age period of life com-
pelled with them to seek a new residence and the
means of support; your Memorialist can only find
consolation in that distinguished benignity & attention
invariably shewn by his Majesty to his unfortunate
Loyal American subjects; and in full Confidence that
the Justice of the British Nation will never leave those

1 Royal Institution MSS., American Loyalists, Vol. V, p. 193.

The Wardens and Vestrymen

147

to suffer who have sacrificed their all in her Cause &
Interest."1

In all fairness it should be stated that the government
of Great Britain was not slow to recognize its great
obligation to the Loyalists, and a tribunal was created
to hear and adjust claims for losses and services and to
award compensation. Beverly Robinson's memorial was
filed on December 11th, 1783. It is a lengthy and ex-
tremely interesting document. Compensation was claim-
ed for the loss of personal and real estate, and as
the schedules afford valuable data for the study of
economic conditions in pre-Revolutionary times, they
are here reproduced:

Inventory of the Personal Property of Beverly Robinson
all of which he has lost by the Rebellion in North
America.

Principal Sums due on Mortgages,

Bonds and Notes from Sundry

persons as per Schedule

Interest due thereon to May 1st,

1777.

Principal sums due on Bonds &

Notes from his Tenants,

Interest due thereon to the 1st

May, 1777,

Rents due from his Tenants to 1st

May, 1777,

My half of a large Grist Mill, Saw

Mill & Potash works in partnership

with Col: Roger Morris built on

his lot at Philips Town— Cost 3000

6830- 8-4

1788- 2-4 8618-10-8

7191-17-4

1338- 0-4 8529-17-8

2754-15-0

my half is

1500- 0-0

1 Audit Office, American Loyalists MSS., Vol. XLIII, p. 207.

148 The History of St. Philip's Church

My half of goods & other effects

in a store kept in our joint accounts

at said Mills by Thomas Henderson

as per Estimate 4000- 0-0 5500- 0-0

Eight Negroes Vizd

Harry a young fellow 19 years old 80- 0-0

Rose a young Wench 20 do 60- 0-0

Coobaugh do 20 do 60- 0-0

Belinda do 18 do 60- 0-0

Sarah do 18 do 60- 0-0

Phillis do 15 do 50- 0-0

Candis do 15 do 50- 0-0

Clarinda do 13 do 50- 0-0

470- 0-01

Stock, Grain & farming Utensils.
4 pair of large Oxen at £18 £72

3 Pair young Oxen @ 15 45

18 Cows @ 5 90

1 Large Bull 10
10 young Cattle 3 years old @ 3 30
8 do 2 do @ 30/ 12
100 Sheep on my farm; 100 do put out

to sundry people @ 8/ 80- 0-0

6 Horses & Mares @ 16 96- 0-0

2 Fillies rising 4 @ 29 40- 0-0
2 Horse Colts rising 2 & 3 years

@ 20 40-0-0

250 Bushels of Wheat @ 7/ 87-10-0

259- 0-0

233- 0-0

1 In the State records at Albany there is preserved the following
account: State of New York

To Commissioners of Alms Houses in the City
of New York.
To support of Jenny, Slave formerly belonging to the Estate of Bev.
Robinson from the 1st of May, 1805, to the 1st of August, 1808, is three
years and three months @ $36 per annum is $117.

I do hereby certify and approve of the above as a good account.

22d August, 1808.

DE WITT CLINTON.

The Wardens and Vestrymen

149

350 do Indian Corn @ 3/6
300 do Oats @ 2/

100 do Rye @ 4/

Ploughs, Carts, Slays, Waggons
and other Farming Utensils
A new Sloop 65 Tons, built at my
own Dock, cost upwards of
Household furniture as p Inven-
tory made out by Mrs Robinson

At 4/6 Per Dollr is Sterling

With respect to the rest of the Per-
sonal Estate (Viz) Negroes, Stock,
Grain, farming Utensils, Sloop
and furniture, I have not at present
any proof of the particulars but
have put them down from recol-
lection.

Bev: Robinson.

61- 5-0
30- 0-0
20- 0-0

195-15-0

100- 0-0

650- 0-0

1000- 0-0

28413-18-4

£15982-16-0

Valuation of the Real Estate.

30359 Acres of Settled Lands

@ 3 p Acre £91077-0-0

29595 do of unsettled do

@ 15/ do 22196-0-0

59954 whole No of Acres £113,273-5-0

A large Lot of Ground in New

York on which I had a very

good house, Stables &c but as

the house was burnt in the great

fire that happened when Sir Wm.

Howe first took possession of the

City the value of the house &c

is ommitted the ground is worth . . 500-0-0

Sterling

150 The History of St. Philip's Church

New York Currency 113,775-5-0
which at 4/6 p Dollar is 63996-7-0

Currency Sterling

Amount of Real

Estate 113,773-5-0 @ 4/6 p Doll is 63097- 7-0

do Personal

do 28413-18/4 do 15982-16-0

142,187-3-4 £79,980- 3-0

It is not surprising that many fraudulent claims were
filed against the government, but a careful study of Bev-
erly Robinson's brief impresses one greatly with its
moderation. There is no suggestion of any effort to
obtain greater compensation than his losses justified. It
would be difficult to find a fairer statement of claim.
The schedules contain the name of every tenant on the
estate; the rents paid for the farms; the detail of every
Bond, Mortgage and Note with the interest thereon;
and a list of the debts owing by Mr. Robinson, together
with a full and clear estimate of his annual income.

The Royal Commissioners subjected every claim to the
most rigid scrutiny. In each case the claimant appeared
in person and was required, where possible, to produce
witnesses in support of his statements. This naturally
consumed considerable time and Robinson's case was
not reached for two years. It was heard on December
16th, 1785. Sir Henry Clinton appeared personally to
testify to the military services and certificates were pre-
sented from Lords Cornwallis and Rawdon. As far as
the valuation of the lands was concerned, there testified
William Smith, ex- Justice of the Supreme Court of New
York; John Kane, who kept a country store at Pawling,
in Dutchess County; Malcom Morrison, a former tenant

The Wardens and Vestrymen 151

on Lot No. 7, and Captain Duncan Campbell of the 84th
Regiment of Foot, who had purchased land in Fredricks-
burgh from Mr. Robinson in 1770. How Beverly
Robinson fared during these two years may be gathered
from a letter he wrote to Edward Winslow1, then in
Nova Scotia, — a letter which is full of interest, both
personally and politically:

Mortlake (in Surrey) Apr. 29th, 1784.
Dear Sir,

I wrote you on the 19th Instant inclosing some
Letters and Newspapers for Beverly. I also wrote
you the same day by Mr Goodall, recommending
him to your notice as a friend of mine; he is a
merchant in London & is gone to Canada to settle
some matters there & will visit Halifax about Aug't
next when he will deliver you my letter.

I now again take the liberty of troubling you with
the inclosed letters for my boys, and beg you will be
so good as to forward them. The large package,
marked newspapers, you are welcome to open &
peruse if you have none by any other Channel so late,
What can I say to you about Politics? I can say
nothing but what you will see in the papers, and
therefore must refer you to them, and they contain
nothing but about Elections. The Election for West-
minster has now been warmly contested for 25 days .

1 Edward Winslow was a descendant of the first Governor of
Plymouth Colony. He graduated from Harvard in 1765, and at the
Revolution remained loyal to the Crown. Appointed by General
Gage to be Collector to the Port of Boston, he left that city on its
evacuation and went to New York, where he was gazetted Muster
Master-General of the Loyalist Forces. After the War he spent some
time in England. He accumulated a vast store of letters and papers
on the Revolution, a selection from which was published by the New
Brunswick Historical Society in 1901, under the able editorship of
the Rev. Dr. W. O. Raymond.

152 The History of St. Philip's Church

Lord Hood carries it hollow, but the Struggle is very
hard between Mr Fox & Sir Cecil Wray; for the
first two or three days Fox was ahead, the next 12 or
14 Sir Cecil lead, for a week past Fox got ahead again
& was yesterday 41 before the Knight, and most
people think he will carry it, mearly by Industry and
Good Management; at any rate there will be a Scrut-
iny demanded let who will be foremost at the end of
the poll, & that they tell me will take up six months,
and in that case none of the three will sit in the Par-
liament the next Session. The members of the last
Opposition have lost their Elections almost every-
where, and it is thought Mr Pitt will have a great
majority. I hope he will not take Lord S(helburne)
into the ministry which has been talked of some time.
The Affairs of the Loyalists goes on but slowly;
these troublesome Elections have taken up the time &
attention of the Commissioners for some time but
they are going on again: they seem to take great
pains and pay attention to our unhappy situation,
but they have a troublesome and difficult task to go
thro\ Many very Extraordinary Claims are given in,
such as you would be astonished to see. I have not
had my hearing yet & don't expect it in less than two
months, so many there are before me; but what ap-
pears very extra'y to me they will not enter upon
Examination of any Claims given by Attorneys, but
say every person who makes any demand on Govern-
ment must apply in person. However they rec'd
the claims into their office in order to keep them alive,
that they may not be totally excluded according to the
Act of Parliament, and the matter of hearing them by
Attorneys will be determined hereafter, which they
certainly must do, there are so many claims given in
by Attorneys that it would be a very unjust thing to
throw them out unless the principal came here. As
the matter is like to be so very tedious, the Com-

The Wardens and Vestrymen 153

miss'rs have recommended, I believe, most that have
applyed for a temporary support from £40 to £200 a
year, which is the highest they can go. I have been
under the necessity of asking for such a support and
they have allowed me £200 a year commencing ye
5th of Jan'y last in addition to my half pay, which
makes me nearly full pay.

I have the pleasure to tell you we are all hearty and
well and join in our respects to you, and pray remem-
ber us to Gen. Campbell & Captain Addenbough &
believe me,

Your sincere friend, &c,

Bev. Robinson.1

The Royal Commissioners were confronted with the
most difficult task of adjudicating on 5,072 claims
totalling $50,411,000. Among the number of claims
were fifty from Dutchess County, and the Loyalist losses
in New York were estimated at $10,000,000. It was
impossible to pay these amounts in full. The award of
the Commissioners to Beverly Robinson is scheduled as
follows :

Claim for loss of property £68,784

Sum originally allowed £25,900

allowed on Revision 24,764

Percentage to be deducted by

Act of Parliament 1,476 8 0

Total sum to pay under Act

of Parliament £23,287 12 02

To this must be added the sum of £800 allowed
to Susannah Robinson presumably as compensation
for personal losses.

1 Winslow Papers, p. 197-9.

2 American Loyalists, Vol. XI, p.

Cf. Flick, Loyalism in New York during the Revolution, 203-214.

154 The History of St. Philip's Church

Colonel Robinson lived but a few years after his
arrival in England. There is reason to believe that after
his affairs were settled, he and his family took up an
abode in Bath, where he died on the 9th day of April,
1792, in the 71st year of his age. His remains were
interred in St. James' Church of that city. Mrs.
Robinson survived her husband for thirty years. After
his death she, with those of her children who were with
her in England, removed to Thornbury, Gloucestershire,
where she resided until her death, which occurred on
November 22d, 1822. Her remains were laid to rest in
the body of the parish church. On the restoration of the
church in 1847 they were re-interred in the churchyard.
The following inscription is, by the courtesy of the Vicar
of Thornbury, copied from a tablet on the walls of the
church:

Sacred

to the memory of

COLONEL BEVERLY ROBINSON

who died at Bath

on the 9th day of April 1792

in the 71st year of his age

and was interred in

St. James'es Church of that City

and of

SUSANNA HIS WIFE

who after a residence in this Town

during her Widowhood of 30 years

died on the 22nd of November 1822

And was interred in

the body of this Church.

This Tablet is erected

As a tribute of affection

by their grateful Children.

CHAPTER VI

ST. PETER'S CHURCH AND ST. PHILIP'S CHAPEL
WARDENS AND VESTRYMEN

1770-1840

(continued)

AT the outset of parochial life the custom was in
y\^ augurated of choosing one Warden from each
section of the parish. Accordingly CHARLES
MOORE (1770-71) of Peekskill was selected as colleague
to Beverly Robinson, and at the first Vestry meeting he
was entrusted with the Seal of the Corporation. This
family of Moores in America was descended from Sir John
Moore of Fawley, Berkshire, who was knighted by
Charles I on the 21st of May, 1627. The fortunes of
the house waned with the execution of the king, and
some members migrated to America. The Hon. John
Moore of Philadelphia married Lady Arabella Axtell.
His son, also named John, was born in South Carolina in
1686 and married Frances Lambert in 1714. The latter
became a man of considerable importance in New York
He lived at White Hall, at the corner of Moore and
Front Street, the house which Peter Stuy vesant had built
for himself prior to 1661. His country seat was in the
Highlands of the Hudson, on land which was acquired
partly by purchase and partly by patent, and was after-
wards sold to the Government as a site for West Point
Military Academy. Colonel Moore filled many responsi-

156 The History of St. Philip's Church

ble positions in the colony of New York. He was an
Alderman of the city; a member of the King's Council
and of the Colonial Legislature. He also commanded
his Majesty's New York City Regiment. To these civic
and military duties he added that of Vestryman and
Warden of Trinity parish from 1715 to 1728.1

Colonel Moore was blessed with eighteen children,
thirteen of whom were sons. Thomas, the seventh son,
was the father of Richard Channing Moore, the great
evangelical Bishop of Virginia. Charles, the sixteenth
child and Warden of the United Churches, was born in
1732, and served in the medical department of the War
of 1756. He afterwards engaged in business at Peekskill
as a miller and resided in one of the Moore houses at
West Point. At the time of the British attack on Forts
Montgomery and Clinton a party of seamen raided the
house of Thomas Moore and "his family fled to Mr.
Charles Moore's for protection."2 It is supposed that
towards the close of the War of the Revolution, Charles,
who favored the cause of the king, fled to North Carolina,
where he spent the rest of his life.

DANIEL BIRDSALL (1772-3) became a member of
the Vestry in 1771, and the following year succeeded
Charles Moore as one of the Wardens. He was born on
January 17th, 1734, and on December 20th, 1757, mar-
ried Hannah, daughter of Jacob Mandeville, in whose

1 Six Centuries of the Moores of Fawley, by David Moore Hall,
pp. 34-8.

2 Memoir of Rt. Rev. Richard Channing Moore, by Bishop
Henshaw, p. 25.

The Wardens and Vestrymen 157

house the first Church services in the Highlands were
held. Mr. Birdsall was a prominent merchant of his

day and one of the founders of Peekskill, where he
occupied the first store built in the village. He was a
generous and ardent supporter of the American cause in
the Revolution and was rewarded by many positions of
honor and influence. In 1775 he was one of "The Asso-
ciation," and served on the "Committee for the County"
from Cortlandt Manor. Two years later he was appoint-
ed Second Lieutenant of the Fifth Battalion of the New
York Continental Regiment. The historic "Birdsall
House" was a well known rendezvous for officers of the
American Army. His brother-in-law, John Mandeville,
kept an inn, and when no room could be found for the
officers they migrated to the house of Daniel Birdsall, it
becoming in turn the headquarters of Generals Mc-
Dougall and Heath. He survived the Declaration of
Independence for twenty-four years, and is buried in the
churchyard of old St. Peter's, where the inscription on
his tombstone reads:

In Memory Of

DANIEL BIRDSALL

who departed this life

October 29th, 1800.

Aged 65 years, 9 months and 13 days.

The last Warden to be elected before the stress of the
War closed the Churches was JEREMIAH DRAKE

158 The History of St. Philip's Church

(1774), who was one of the members of the building com-
mittee of St. Peter's in 1767, and served on the Vestry
from 1770. Born in the year 1726, he was a Cortland-
town farmer, and a soldier of the Revolution. From
1778 to 1781 he served in the Militia under Colonel
Drake, and in the latter year his name stands on the
pay roll of Ebenezer Boyd as a guard on the North river
in Westchester County, for which he received £10-6-2. 1
He died on the 6th of May, 1784.

From 1775 until 1790 there is no recorded election of
Wardens and Vestry, but in the latter year the name of
WILLIAM DENNING (1790-93) appears as senior
Warden. After three years5 service, owing to residence
in New York City for the major part of the year, he
retired from the Vestry until 1812, when he was elected a
Vestryman and served until 1817. Mr. Denning hailed
from Newfoundland and in New York became a prom-
inent merchant and political leader. During the Revo-
lution he served as a member of the Provincial Congress,
the State Senate and the Council of Appointment. He
was also a delegate to the Hartford Convention. His
association with the parish was brought about in 1785
by his purchase from the Commissioners of Forfeiture
of a considerable portion of the Beverly Robinson proper-
ty, including the historic homestead.2 He succeeded
not only to the estate but also to the parochial leadership.
He donated an additional acre of land to St. Philip's

1 MSS. of New York in the Revolution, Vol. XIII, folio 179.

2 The records of the County show that on May 23d, 1785, David
Graham, as Commissioner of Forfeiture, sold under an Act of 1784,
2 parcels of land on Lot No. 1, one of 3,346 and the other of 48
acres, the consideration being £337 8 0.

WILLIAM DENNING

Church Warden, 1790-1793

The Wardens and Vestrymen 159

Church, and rendered invaluable service in the State
Legislature which restored the glebe farm to the parish
in 1792, besides being a large contributor toward the
cost of restoring St. Philip's after its devastation in the
War. Mr. Denning died on October 30th, 1819, at the
age of eighty, and was interred in St. Paul's Church-
yard, in the city of New York.

For several years it was the custom to elect one Warden
from each of the two Churches, and CALEB WARD
(1790-2, 1797-9) was chosen from the Manor of Cortlandt.
The son of John Ward, he was born in East Chester on

November 11th, 1728, and was by occupation a farmer.
He married Mary Drake, whose brother Jeremiah was
Warden of the parish in 1774. Mr. Ward died at
Cortlandtown on the 16th of May, 1802, in the seventy-
fourth year of his age.

The election as Warden in 1793 of PIERRE VAN
CORTLANDT (1793) links the parish with the Manor
on which the old Church was built. The founder of
the family, which has for its motto Virtus sibi Munus,
was the Right Hon. Steven Van Cortlandt of South
Holland. One of his descendants, Oloff Stephensen
Van Cortlandt, was attached to the military service of
the Dutch West India Company, and in 1637 "He comes
to New York,"1 where he became a thorn in the flesh of
Governor Peter Stuyvesant. His son, Stephanus, be-
came the first American-born Mayor of the City of New

1 Bolton's History of Westchester County, Vol. I, p. 99.

160 The History of St. Philip's Church

York, and the first Lord of the Manor of Cortlandt.
Major Pierre Van Cortlandt, a son of Philip by his wife
Catharine De Peyster, was born on January 10th, 1721.
He played a large and influential part in the Revolution,
and in the upbuilding of the infant State of New York,
and was Colonel of the North Battalion of Westchester
County. Politically he held almost every office in the
gift of the people. A member of the second, third and
fourth Provincial Congresses, and of the convention of
the State of New York, he was President of the Council
of Safety in 1777 and Senator from the Southern District
the same year, and for eighteen years he occupied the
exalted position of Lieutenant-Governor of the State of
New York.

On his death, which occurred at Croton River on May
1st, 1814, in the ninety-fourth year of his age, the follow-
ing beautiful tribute was paid to his worth in the public
press:

Pierre Van Cortlandt early took an active part
against every oppression of the English Government
upon the Colonies. He was chosen into the first Pro-
vincial Congress, was a member of the committee
which formed the Constitution of this State, and was
honored by the suffrages of his county at the first elec-
tion under the new government of the station of
Lieutenant-Governor, and continued to be elected
to that office for eighteen years successively. He was
the friend and confidant of that great patriot, George
Clinton. In the Revolution he shared the fate of the
friends of their country; his family were obliged to
abandon their homes in the Manor of Cortlandt, and
take refuge in the interior. Firm and undismayed

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR PIERRE VAN CORTLANDT
Church Warden, 1793

The Wardens and Vestrymen 161

in adversity, the ill success of our arms was a stimulus
to greater exertions. He was one of those who, rely-
ing on the justice of their cause, put their trust in God
and stood firm at the post of danger. In prosperity
he was not too much elated but held a temperate and
uniform course, having in view only the independence
of the United States and the safety of his country.

In the Senate of this State he presided with dig-
nity and propriety, nor ever suffered his opinion to be
known until called upon constitutionally to decide;
and his vote was then given with promptness, unin-
fluenced by party feelings, and evidencing the con-
victions of a sound and honest mind.1

SILVANUS HAIGHT (1795-6) entered the Vestry in
1790, served for four years, and in 1795 was chosen one
of the Wardens. He was a son of Joseph Haight by his
wife Hannah Wright, and was born at Rye, N. Y. He
married Martha Nelson. In 1791 he was Treasurer of
the United Churches. Haight was a strong Tory, and
prior to 1778 lived on the Beverly Robinson place. Writ-
ing from "Robinson's" to Governor Clinton on March
10th, 1778, General Parsons says, "Silvanus Haight has
gone to ye enemy and left his family."2 For some
time he wTas a prisoner in Fort Clinton, where Colonel
Malcom says of him, "I apprehend Haight 's case as a
bad one." At the close of the War he was set at
liberty and was active in parochial affairs, and wTas for
a time the tenant of the Glebe farm. He died at Troy,
N. Y.

1 Gazette, May 17th, 1814.

2 Clinton Papers, Vol. Ill, p. 15.

162 The History of St. Philip' s Church

CALEB MORGAN (1795-6), a farmer of Cortlandtown,
was first elected to the Vestry in 1772, and served at
intervals for seven years. During the War of the
Revolution he was a strong supporter of the British
cause and his name appears in the list of Westchester
Tories. On June 15th, 1776, together with Joshua Purdy

(J%/*LjprU'

and Peter Corney, he was arrested and imprisoned in
White Plains Jail by order of the Commissioners for
Detecting Conspiracies.1 He died at Yorktown, July, 1838.
JOSHUA NELSON (1797-9) was one of the original
members of the Vestry from the Philipse Precinct. He
served from 1770 until the Revolution and was again
elected on the resumption of parochial activities in 1790,
and seven years later he became one of the Wardens.
The Nelsons were among the early settlers in what was
then the Southeast part of Dutchess County. Joshua
was the fifth son of Francis Nelson, who "came to ye

South part of Dutchess County in ye Highlands" from
Scarsdale in the year 1736. He was born at Scarsdale
on September 18th, 1726, and married Sarah, daughter of
Jacob Mandeville, in 1754, thus becoming a brother-in-
law of Daniel Birdsall. He lived in the Mandeville
house at the "Four Corners," where the first Church ser-
vices were held. He took a prominent part in public life.

1 Calendar of Historical MSS., 1664-1776, p. 341, 455.

The Wardens and Vestrymen 163

In 1774-5 he was one of the Assessors for the Philipse
Precinct, and the following year was elected Supervisor.
An ardent Revolutionist, in 1776 he was chosen second
Major of the Militia by the Committee of Public Safety.
He died on December 14th, 1817, in his ninety-first year,
and is buried in the churchyard of St. Philip's.

DANIEL WILLIAM BIRDSALL (1800, 1804, 1811,
1821-5, 1829) of Peekskill became a Vestryman in 1797,
and Warden three years later, his service on the Vestry
covering a period of twenty-one years. He was the fifth
child of Daniel Birdsall, who was Warden in 1772, and
was born on the 27th of October, 1767. He was one of

the Commissioners for laying out the first turnpike road,
under an act of the Legislature of the State, in Putnam
County, and in 1811 served as Supervisor for Cortland-
town. For nineteen years he was Post Master of Peeks-
kill, and Town Clerk for four years. He died May 11th,
1850, and, side by side with his four wives, lies buried in
the churchyard of old St. Peter's.

JAMES MANDEVILLE (1801-3, 1805-7) was first
elected to the Vestry in the year 1800, and, with an inter-
val of two years, served until 1834. His ancestry was
Dutch. The first of the family to settle in America was
Yellis Jansen de Mandeville who came from Holland in
the good ship "de Trouw" (the Faith) in 1659, and who
owned a farm on the land now lying between Fourteenth
and Twenty -first streets in New York City. James was
a son of Cornelius, and a nephew to Jacob Mandeville.

164 The History of St. Philip's Church

He married 1st, Martha Westcott and 2nd, Hannah
Stymes. He was a farmer and succeeded his brother
John as an innkeeper in what is now the heart of Peek-
skill. He was also a soldier of the Revolution, serving
as a private in the Continental troops under Captain
Daniel Williams. Born in 1758, he died December 21st,
1848.

MAJOR BERNARD HANLON (1808-10, 1812-20)
served as Warden for ten years. For a man who occu-
pied that position surprisingly little is known of him.
His name appears in the electoral census returns of the
town of Cortlandt in 1801 as certified by David Stanley,
Jr.1; and in the census of 1807 "Bernerd Handlin" is
returned as possessed of a freehold of the value of one
hundred pounds. Prior to coming to Peekskill he lived
in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. A body of men was
raised in that State to serve the United States Govern-
ment during the Pennsylvania insurrection of 1794, and
the records show that, on September 13th, Bernard Han-
Ion was appointed Captain of a company of Light Infan-
try. He served for three months and was discharged on
December 24th.2

PIERRE VAN CORTLANDT (1827-1839) was first
elected to the Vestry in the year 1820, and was Warden
at the time the parish was divided. He was born the
29th of August, 1762, and married Catherine Taylor,
subsequently, Anne Stevenson. In the year 1800 he was
appointed a member of the Electoral College, and, with

1 Electoral Census MSS., 1801, Vol. VI, p. 1700.

2 Records of Officers and Men of New Jersey in Wars 1791-
1815, p 43.

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Church Warden, 1827-1839

The Wardens and Vestrymen 165

the other New York electors, cast his vote for Thomas
Jefferson as President in the famous contest, when
Aaron Burr received an equal number of votes.1 He
served as a member of Congress in 1811 and 1812 and
died in 1848.

VESTRYMEN.

THOMAS DAVENPORT (1770-71) came of an
English family who were among the earliest settlers of the
southern portion of Dutchess County (now Putnam).
Thomas Davenport, Sr., born in 1682, came from Eng-
land about the year 1715, and later settled in the High-
lands, occupying a large farm now covered by the village
of Cold Spring. He died December 30th, 1759, aged
seventy-seven years. His two sons, William and Thom-
as, were men of considerable prominence in the commun-
ity. In 1772 Thomas was a "fence- viewer" for the town
of Philipstown, and also "Highway Master from Caleb
Nelson's to his house and from thence through the woods
to the Post road near Elijah Budd's."2 His will was
dated September 29th, 1797.

JOHN JOHNSON (1770-73) is another of the members
of the first Vestry of whom little is now known, beyond
the fact that he lived in Peekskill, and that in the min-
utes of 1772 he is called "Captain." He has, however,
the distinction of being the first in the long line of Clerks
of the Vestry, which at its earliest recorded meeting
"proceeded to chuse Mr. John Johnson Clark for the
ensuing year."

1 New York Civil List, 1878, p. 348.

2 Smith's History of Dutchess County, p. 461.

166 The History of St. Philip's Church

Another of the early Peekskill Vestrymen was HENRY
PURDY (1770-1) who was a farmer on the Manor of
Cortlandt. All the Purdys were strong Tories, and
Henry paid the penalty of his devotion to the Royal
cause by having his property sequestered and sold. He
died in 1782.

PETER DRAKE (1772-4) lived in the Highlands
on Lot No. 4, occupying a farm for which he paid a
rent of £3 6 0 per annum, and his name appears in the
tax list of the Philipse Precinct for 1777. He was Over-
seer of the Poor in the southern part of Dutchess County
in 1762. In 1774 Peter Drake was appointed by the
Vestry "to go about the Manor of Cortlandt for sub-
scription toward the support of the minister/ ' and was
guaranteed a commission of seven per cent.

DAVID PENOYER (1772-3) was of Huguenot de-
scent and resided at Peekskill, and was employed by the
Vestry to "do the carpenter work on the Citchen and
Piazor of the parsonage" in 1773.

FRANCIS PEMART (1772-4) who was a pre-revolu-
tionary Vestryman, was a substantial merchant in
Peekskill, a large freeholder, and a man of wealth. He
owned a farm of 195 acres on the Manor of Cortlandt
together with five dwelling houses, two store-houses
and a barn, and another farm of 26 acres in Peekskill
which he purchased from Jeremiah Drake. To these
he added a sloop of 113 tons burthen which he sailed
from a dock known as "Pemart's dock." According to
his own statement he was born at sea and for the first six
years of his life resided in France. Pemart is a striking
example of the many men who managed to serve on both

The Wardens and Vestrymen 167

sides during the War of the Revolution. It is a matter
of official record that in July, 1776, he associated himself
with James Spock and William Penoyer in an application
to the Provincial Congress for leave to form a company of
artillery in support of the American cause.1 We also
have his own sworn statement to the fact that one of his
farms was used as a forage camp for the American troops
and that he himself served as forage-master at the pay of
a dollar a day. There is abundant reason to believe that
he was a British spy for he says that he occupied the
position "with an intention of serving the loyalists." It
is more than likely that he was in the pay pf Beverly
Robinson, who was then at the head of the British
Intelligence department, and who had known Pemart
on the Vestry.

In March, 1777, Colonel Bird arrived in Peekskill at
the head of a detachment of 1000 British troops and
several pieces of cannon and drove out General McDougal
whose force numbered but £50 men. Pemart took ad-
vantage of the opportunity to join the British forces and
returned with them to New York where he remained
until the declaration of peace. During the remainder
of the war he was employed as a pilot for English ships
on the North River. Upon the complaint of Captain
James Cronkhite he was indicted for treason before the
Grand Jury at a term of the Court of General Sessions
held at the Meeting House in Upper Salem on the seventh
of November, 1781. Pemart's property was confiscated,
and his sloop was taken to Esopus Creek. In October,
1783, he set sail for St. John, N. B., to make arrangements

1 Calendar of Historical MSS. in the War of the Revolution,
Vol. I, p. 473.

168 The History of St. Philip' s Church

for the settlement of himself and family in that region.
This accomplished, he returned to New York, arriving a
few days after the British evacuation of the city. The
American authorities had not forgotten the loss of their
valuable stores on his Peekskill farm and he was promptly
arrested and languished in prison for five months. On
his release he again departed for New Brunswick where
he arrived in the latter part of 1784. There he filed a
claim on the British government for compensation for
losses and services.1 His losses he estimated at £1621-
11-0, and he was eventually awarded the sum of £700.2

Another obstinate Tory was PETER CORNEY (1774),
who hailed from Cortlandt. Corney was arrested, taken
before the "Committee on Conspiracies" and permitted
to remove to Long Island.3 The local committee of
Westchester County stepped in and sequestered and
sold his lands in 1777. At a subsequent date he returned
to the parish, for the New York Packet of December 26th,
1785, contains the announcement of the marriage of
" Peter Corney, Esq., of Peekskill to Mrs. Van Dam,
widow of the late Isaac Van Dam of St. Eustatia, on
Wednesday morning, December 21, 1785."

When the Vestry re-organized in 1790 the name of
JAMES SPOCK (1790-6) of Peekskill appears as a

Vestryman. He was a miller at the Robinson mill, near
Continental Village. During the War he served as a

1 American Loyalists MSS., Vol. XX, p. 95-106.

2 Ibid, Vol. XI, p. 256.

3 Scharfs History of Westchester County, Vol. I, p. 290.

The Wardens and Vestrymen 169

private in the third regiment of the Westchester County
Militia. A note in the Journal of the Rev. Silas Con-
stant under the date of December 12th, 1798, says:

To Mr. Spock's — Married Joshua Nelson and
Amelia Spock.

Born in 1740, he died in 1804, and with his wife, Mary,
was buried in St. Peter's Churchyard.

RICHARD ARNOLD (1790-1) was a tenant on the
Beverly Robinson estate, on Lot No. 1, before the War,
for which he paid a rental of £2-0-0 per annum. The
farm was in the immediate neighborhood of St. Philip's
Chapel and adjacent to Jacob Mandeville's. He received
compensation for damages to the amount of £249-10-0
about which he writes the following letter dated May
30th, 1786:

Sir,

Please pay to Benjamin Rose, or order, whatever
certificates are due to me for the Rales and timber
taken by the army of the United States from my
farm during the late war,

Richard Arnold.1

JARVIS DUSENBURY (1790-93) was a son of Moses
Dusenbury by his wife Elizabeth Mudge. In 1790 and
1791 he was one of the lay representatives of the parish

to the Diocesan Convention. He was a business man,
and served in Captain Lane's company of the West-
chester County Militia. When the Parish was incor-

1 MSS. of New York in the Revolution, Vol. L, p. 100.

170 The History of St. Philip's Church

porated under the State laws in 1791 the Vestry "did ap-
point Jarvis Dusenbury to appear before the Judge and
git it acknowledged." He married Elizabeth Denton on
May 29th, 1736, and came to Peekskill from Tarrytown
soon after the War of the Revolution.

ISAAC DAVENPORT (1792-7) was elected to the
Vestry from the Highlands. The son of Thomas Daven-
port the 2nd, he was born on what is now the de Rham
place on March 28th, 1748. He married Elizabeth
Huestis, and occupied a farm where Cold Spring now
stands. He died on the 18th of March, 1808.

Of BENJAMIN WARD (1793) nothing is known save
that he lived at Peekskill.

HENRY ROMER (1794) came of a family that
played a large local part in the Revolution. His father,
Jacob Romer, kept the tavern at Greenburgh, where the
captors of Major Andre breakfasted on the morning of
September 23d, 1780. Henry was born on June 17th,
1755, and was baptized in the old Dutch Church at
Sleepy Hollow. He married Mary Jennings. During
the War he served as a private in the companies of
Captains George Comb and Jonas Orsor. He died at
Peekskill on November 5th, 1830, and was accorded a
military funeral.

ISAAC MEAD (1793-5, 1808) kept a road house on
the Post road, near Davenport's Corners. He was
born in Westchester county on February 16th, 1751.
His first wife was Sarah Huestis and his second, Mary
Wright. He died April 13th, 1811. In 1793 he was
appointed by the Vestry "to collect the Sallery for the
Rev. Andrew Fowler in Dutchess County."

The Wardens and Vestrymen 171

JOHN GEE (1794-5). Of him nothing is known save
the interesting fact that at a Vestry meeting in 1793 it
was resolved that "John Gee be appointed Chorister
in the aforesaid Churches until Easter Monday next."

SMITH JONES (1795) the son of John, was a farmer
of Cortlandtown. He married Susannah, daughter of
Jonathan Ferris, and eventually removed to Delhi, N. Y.

Three members of the DOUGLASS family were on the
Vestry: William (1795), James (1796) and Benjamin
(1800-1). William was a delegate to the Diocesan Con-
vention of 1795. Nothing is known of them save that
Benjamin was a cabinet maker in Peekskill.

JUSTUS NELSON (1796) was the seventh son of
Francis Nelson, one of the early settlers of Dutchess
County. He was born in the Highlands on the 23rd of
February, 1737. He married, in 1756, Mary Haight,
and later Phoebe, widow of Nicholas Budd, by whom he
had twelve children. His name appears on the tax
records for 1771. Twice he held public office; once as
"Poor-Master," and in 1773 as Commissioner of High-
ways. When the property of Roger Morris was sold by
the Commissioners of Forfeiture Justus Nelson pur-
chased for a consideration of £1-12-0 eight acres of land
"being part of the marsh or meadow lying near Consti-
tution Island so called." The deed is dated October
20th, 1784. He died February 21st, 1803, aged sixty-six
years, and is buried in St. Philip's Churchyard.

JOHN NELSON (1799-1810) was from the Highlands.
A son of Joshua, he was born on April 23rd, 1766. He
owned a farm of five hundred acres.

172 The History of St. Philip's Church

THOMAS HENYON (1799) was a tenant of the glebe
farm in 1798-9.

JOHN JONES, JR. (1800-4) was a farmer of Cort-
landtown. He married Sarah Swim, and removed to
Tioga County, N. Y., where he died.

ISAAC PURDY (1801-11, 1813) was a farmer, who
lived close by old St. Peter's Church. He was born in
1759, and died April 1st, 1838. He is buried in the old
churchyard.

NICHOLAS NELSON (1808-11) was the tenth child
of Justus, and married Mary, daughter of Captain John
Haight. His second wife was Hannah Vermilyea. He
was in business at Peekskill as a harness maker, from
whence he removed to Wisconsin, where he died.

JACOB LENT (1809-10) was the school-master in the
Highlands. When the parish was without a Rector
he occasionally read the service in St. Philip's Church.
He died on February 16th, 1857, and is buried in St.
Philip's Churchyard.

WILLIAM NELSON (1811) was the son of Thomas
and was born in the town of Clinton, N. Y., in 1752.

His name appears on the Attorney's Roll for Putnam
County in 1813, and his office was at Peekskill. He
lived in the house now used as the Town Hall. For
some years he acted as legal adviser to the Vestry.

The Wardens and Vestrymen 173

ELISHA COVERT (1811) of Philipstown was a de-
scendant of Abraham Covert, who was a tenant on Lot
No. 1. He was a farmer, and removed to Colchester,
Delaware County, in 1815.

JOHN OPPIE (1812-17, 1820-7) was born at Six Mile
Run, New Jersey, on April 8th, 1768. He came to
Peekskill in 1795, where he practiced law. He was ad-
mitted to the Bar of the newly formed Court of Putnam
County in 1812, and was one of the Commissioners to
lay out the Westchester and Dutchess turnpike. He
married Phoebe, daughter of Isaac Bates, and died on
September 1st, 1828.

CAPTAIN FREDERICK PHILIPS served on the
Vestry from 1812 to his death in 1829. He was the son
of Philip Philipse and his wife Margaret Marston, and
was born in New York on the 3d of May, 1755. His first
wife was his cousin, Mary Marston, whom he married on
October 14th, 1779, and his second, Maria Kemble. By
his first wife he had one daughter, Mary. On May 6th,
1782, he was made a Captain in George the Third's
"King's American Dragoons," his commission bearing
the signature of Guy Carleton. Captain Philips was
the first male member of the family to reside in the High-
lands, where he built "The Grange" in the year 1800. It
was destroyed by fire sixty years later. He died on May
3rd, 1829, and was buried in the Marston vault in Trinity
Churchyard, New York.

WILLIAM HENDERSON (1812) was the son-in-law
and executor of William Denning He resided at what
is now the Highlands Country Club.

174 The History of St. Philip's Church

MEPHIBOSETH NELSON (1812) was the youngest
child of Justus by his wife Mary Haight, and was born
December 1st, 1775. He married Elizabeth Baxter on
December 8th, 1798. By trade he was a millwright
and built the Arden and Philipse mills. He died on the
29th of March, 1830, and is buried in St. Philip's Church-
yard.

JONATHAN FERRIS, (1814) a son of Jonathan
by his wife Rachel Dean, was born in 1779. He
married Jane Owens on February 13th, 1800. He lived
at Putnam Valley and kept a store at Oregon. For
some time he was a Judge of the Court of Common
Pleas, Westchester County, and in 1815 he became one of
the Commissioners to build the Court House at Carmel.
He died September 6th, 1838.

STEPHEN NELSON (1814-16) was a son of John,
and grandson of Joshua Nelson. He married Mary,
daughter of Daniel Haight, and died February 1st, 1835.

JAMES WILEY (1827-9) was a cabinet maker of
Peekskill. He married the widow of Caleb Ward. In
the years 1818-20 he served as Supervisor. He died April
30th, 1829, in the forty-eighth year of his age.

JOHN T. GOMIER (1828-35), the son of Nicholas,
was of French descent. He owned a fuller's mill near
Oregon.

ALLEN B. HAZEN (1829) was a miller of Peekskill.

RICHARD HOPPER (1831-33) of the Highlands was
born on April 15th, 1777, and died October 13th, 1834.
The Hoppers were amongst the early tenants of Beverly
Robinson and occupied a farm of 200 acres on the boun-

CAPTAIN FREDERICK PHILIPS

Vestryman, 1812-1829

The Wardens and Vestrymen 175

dary of Lots No. 1 and 4. The property was sold by the
Commissioners of Forfeiture to William Denning, who
re-sold it to Richard Hopper, Sr., on November 2nd, 1786.
He received from the State £350 compensation for dam-
ages to his property during the Revolution.

The election of GOUVERNEUR KEMBLE (1833)
to the Vestry marks an interesting epoch in the develop-
ment of the Parish. In the thirties, while the tie between
St. Peter's and St. Philip's was weakening, a new tie was
being formed northward by the commencement of ser-
vices at Cold Spring. The election of Mr. Kemble was
at once a tribute to his sterling worth and a recognition
of the new development. Mr. Kemble was born in New
York City on January 25th, 1786, and graduated from
Columbia College in 1803. During a residence as United
States Consul at Cadiz he became interested in the
casting of cannon and established the West Point Foundry
about 1814. For two terms he was a member of Con-
gress, and was also one of the delegates to the Convention
for the revision of the Constitution of the State of New
York. At the age of eighty-nine he died on September
18th, 1875.

ISAAC SEYMOUR (1834-9) of Peekskill, was born in
1798 and married Sarah Scott. He was a leader in the
business enterprises of the village, and in addition to
serving a term as Supervisor in 1848 was Cashier and
President of the W7estchester County Bank. He died on
September 3d, 1863.

SAMUEL MARKS (1834-9) was a printer and book-
binder of Peekskill. He was born in the city of New
York on October 14th, 1776, and married on January

176 The History of St. Philip's Church

15th, 1803. He was President of the village of Peekskill
in 1829-30, 1834-5-6 and 7. He died April 7th, 1848.

ALFRED EUGENE WATSON (1834), the son of
Marston and Lucy (Lee) Watson, was born in the city of
Boston on November 15th, 1800. Twenty years later
he graduated from Harvard. He married on September
23d, 1822, Louisa C. M. Stoughton of Boston, who died
ten years later; second, Eliza Mellen of Cambridge,
Mass. (October 8th, 1835), and third, Susan E. Ferguson,
on March 25th, 1845. Together with his older brother,
John Lee Watson, he purchased a farm of 355 acres
from Mr. Wheelock. This property was part of the
original Davenport farm on the Philipse Patent. There,
on March 28th, 1830, the two brothers opened the
"Highland School" for boys. In 1834 there were twenty-
five boarders, and four masters. The school continued
successfully for five years until John Lee Watson1 de-

1 John Lee Watson, the Headmaster of the Highland School, was
born in Boston on August 27th, 1797, educated at the Latin School and
graduated from Harvard in 1815. For some time before coming into
the Highlands he taught school at Taunton and Northampton, Mass.
On June 20th, 1828, he married Elizabeth West of Taunton. They had
twelve children one of whom, the Rev. John H. Watson, is now a priest
in the diocese of New York. During his attendance at St. Philip's Mr.
Watson did admirable service as a lay-reader. The family physician,
Dr. St. Croix, urged him to study for the ministry and the suggestion
was warmly endorsed by the Rev. James Sunderland. He was ordered
Deacon in Trinity Church on Sunday, October 11th, 1835, by Bishop
Benjamin T. Onderdonk, and advanced to the Priesthood by the same
Bishop in St. George's Church on May 8th, 1836. His subsequent
parochial appointments were: Trinity Church, Fishkill, 1835-6;
Associate-rector, on the Greene Foundation, of Trinity Church, Boston,
1836-46; Rector of Grace Church, Newark, N. J., 1846-53; and Rector
of Burlington College, N. J., 1853-55. In the latter year he became

The Wardens and Vestrymen 177

cided to enter the ministry. On December 15th, 1834,
the property was sold to Henry Casimir de Rham and the
school was closed the following March. Mr. Watson
became a Paymaster in the U. S. Navy and died in 1876.
He was interred in the family tomb on Boston Common.

Such were the men who through good and ill report
safeguarded the temporalities of the United Churches.

They rest from their labors, but their works do follow
them.

a Chaplain in the U. S. Navy. Mr. Watson died at Orange, N. J., on
August 12th, 1884, and was buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery,
Newark.

CHAPTER VII.

THE CHAPEL OF ST. PHILIP'S IN THE HIGHLANDS.
1770-1839.

THE history of St. Philip's Church in the Highlands
covers an unbroken period of one hundred and
forty-one years; for seventy years it was a chapel
in the parish of St. Peter's, on the Manor of Cortlandt, and
for seventy-one years it has been an independent parish.
The chapel stood in what was then the southern precinct
of Dutchess County. Of this county one of the earliest
historians of the State of New York writes:

This county adjoins to West-Chester, which bounds
it on the south, the Connecticut line on the east,
Hudson's river on the west, and the county of Albany
on the north. The south part of this county is moun-
tainous and fit only for iron works, but the rest con-
tains a great quantity of good upland well watered.
The only villages in it are Poghkeepsing and the Fish-
Kill, though they scarcely deserve the name. The
inhabitants on the banks of the river are Dutch, but
those more easterly Englishmen, and for the most part,
emigrants from Connecticut and Long Island. There
is no Episcopal church in it. The growth of this
county has been very sudden, and commenced but
a few years ago. Within the memory of persons now
living, it did not contain above twelve families; and
according to the late returns of the militia, it will
furnish at present above 2500 fighting men.1

1 Smith, The History of the Province of New York, Vol. I, p. 264.

Chapel of St Philip's in the Highlands 179

Authorities differ as to when the county was created.
Some put it in 1683; others in 1691. Official records,
however, state that in 1693 "Dutchess County having
very few inhabitants, is committed to the care of the
county of Ulster."1 Even at that period the population
must have numbered more than "twelve families."
The first recorded census, taken in 1714, gives the total
number of souls as 445; of these 22 were slaves. The
names of 67 heads of families are recorded, and, with
three or four exceptions, all the names are Dutch.2

By 1723 the inhabitants numbered 1040, and eight
years later they had grown to 1727. In the years follow-
ing there was a remarkable growth of population, as
witnessed by the official returns :

1746

8,896

1756

13,289

1771

21,044

On the eve of the Revolution the population of
Dutchess exceeded that of the city and county of New
York, and, with the exception of Albany, it was the
largest of any county in the Colony.

The whole of what is now Putnam County (exclusive
of the oblong) was part of the extensive tract of land
granted by William the Third to Adolphe Philipse in
1697. St. Philip's Chapel was situated in the Southern
Precinct, which in 1788 became the town of Philipstown.
Both chapel and town were named in honor of the Lord
of the Manor. The immediate locality of the chapel

1. Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. I, p. 201.
2 Ibid. p. 471.

180 The History of St. Philip's Church

was known as "Nelson's Landing," so called from Caleb
Nelson, who came here prior to the Revolution. After-
wards it was known as "Mead's Landing," from one
Mead, who kept a tavern and store on the dock. Still
later the name was changed to "Garrison" in compliment
to the family of that name.

We may pause for a moment to outline the social and
economic conditions which the Church had to face in the
Highlands.

The population was small and widely scattered. On
Major Villefranche's "Map and Plan of West Point,"1
made in 1780, he marks on this side of the river, Robin-
son Frm., Mandevilles, at the "Four Corners;" the "Red
Church" (St. Philip's), the "Nelson" house, which stood
opposite " Woodlawn," on land now owned by Mr. Evans
R. Dick, and Danfords (Davenports). Erskine's map of
1785 adds Thomas Davenport to the eastward of Con-
stitution Island, and a ferry house on the east end of the
island, but no other houses on the river front between
Anthony's Nose and Fishkill Creek. It is worthy of note
that all the men whose places were marked on these maps
were connected with the Church. Beverly Robinson was
Warden; Justus Nelson and Thomas Davenport were
Vestrymen; and services were held in the house of Jacob
Mandeville.

The Department of Commerce and Labor has
recently published an analysis of the first census of the
United States, which was taken in the year 1790. The
total population, exclusive of slaves, was 3,231,533. A

1 Printed in Boynton's History of West Point, p. 86.

Chapel of St. Philip's in the Highlands 181

study of the returns — which include the names of the
heads of families — for Dutchess County sheds a great
deal of interesting light upon social conditions in the
Highlands section of the parish towards the close of the
eighteenth century. Philipstown then included what is
now the town of Putnam Valley, and in that area there
was a population of 2,079; the population of the town of
Cortlandt, in which stood St. Peter's Church, was 1,932.
A more detailed analysis gives for Philipstown :

Free White Males of 16 years and upwards,

including heads of families 517

Free White Males, under 16 years 593

Free White Females, including heads of families 942

All other Free Persons 2

Slaves 251

Of this scanty and scattered population, prior to the
Revolution, Beverly Robinson, owner, through his wife,
of one-third of the Philipse Patent, was feudal chief.
Roger Morris and Mrs. Ogilvie, owners of the remaining
two-thirds, were non-resident, and Colonel Robinson was
the sole representative of the holders of the Patent, which
covered the entire southern part of Dutchess County.
The Philipse family owned every rod of land in the
Highlands. The substantial tenant farmers were few —
the Mandevilles, Nelsons, Lancasters, Davenports and
Haights. Amongst the slave owners were the following :

John Haight 2 Thomas Davenport 4

Sylvanus Haight 1 Joshua Nelson l2

1 Heads of Families, First Census of the United States, 1790, State
of New York, p. 9. Washington, Government Printing Office, 1908.

2 Do Do pp. 89-90.

182 The History of St. Philip's Church

The people wrung a scanty pittance out of soil, much
of which was unproductive. Parts of it were rocky and
much of it covered with timber. For purposes of valua-
tion the land was divided into two classes — " settled"
and "unsettled;" the former cleared for cultivation; the
latter wooded. Of Beverly Robinson's 60,000 acres,
29,595 were "unsettled," and on his own home farm of
1,500 acres, only 400 were under cultivation. One reason
for this lay in the fact that "timber was looked upon as
being more valuable than the soil." Mr. Robinson testi-
fies that Lot No. 1 was "well timbered and convenient to
several landings which made the timber valuable, being
chiefly Oak, Walnut and Chestnut." He values the
"settled" lands at £3 per acre and the "unsettled" por-
tion at half that figure, but selected lands were more val-
uable. This was especially the case with meadow land.
The land near Martlaer's Rock (now called Constitution
Island), was estimated to be worth £20 per acre, in
addition to whicji the Robinsons had then spent £12 per
acre "in banking out the tide."

Outside of one or two innkeepers the inhabitants
were nearly all farmers. The acreage of the farms was
small. On Lot No. 4 the largest farm was 300 acres;
the smallest 50. On No. 1 Jacob Mandeville farmed 400
acres. Rents varied with the quality of the soil and the
acreage. On No. 1 the highest individual rental in 1755
was £5; the smallest £1.10.0. On No. 4 only two tenants
paid as much as £5, whilst on No. 7 Archibald Campbell's
rent was £10.0.0. Beginning in 1768 the rent of most of
the farms was substantially increased. The following
figures will show how large the increase was in the ag-
gregate :

Chapel of St, Philip's in the Highlands 183

1755.

1768.

1777.

Lot No. 1.

£ 26.15.0

£ 82. 5.0

£135.15.0

131. 0.0

304. 9.0

353.15.0

161. 0.0

404.15.0

767. 14. 01

In spite of this increase Mr. Robinson testifies that
"the farms were very much underlet, and he has no
scruple to say that the rents (had no troubles happened)
would have been increased in a greater proportion than
they had hitherto done."

Some of the rents were payable in kind — corn or wheat.
Thus there was a lease dated August 5th, 1765, to John
Hall "of 158 acres of land for one year at the rent of
25 bushels of clear merchantable Wheat." There is
extant a list of twenty-two tenants whose aggregate
rental was 442 bushels of wheat, which was valued at 6/s
per bushel. The rent of one farm was as low as four
bushels per annum. It is interesting to note that when
by "temporary indulgence" these tenants were allowed
to pay in cash rather than grain, Mr. Robinson estimates
that he lost £32 by the transaction.

All the scanty records go to show that the tenant
farmers were poor and unenterprising. For this there
is a suggestive economic reason. They lacked the in-
centive of ownership. There were no small freeholders
until after the Revolution. With the exception of what
was known as "the undivided portion," it was the settled
policy of the Lords of the Manor to retain the ownership
of the land. To this Beverly Robinson rigidly adhered.
Once only did he depart from it, when he sold twenty
acres on Lot No. 7 to Duncan Campbell "as a matter of

1 New York Currency.

184 The History of St. Philip's Church

favor and to encourage a settler of so respectable a char-
acter." Moreover, the terms of the leases was very
uncertain. Mr. Robinson was a considerate landlord,
but the fact remains that they were tenants at his
will. On Lot No. 1 there were no leases at all. On the
other lots leases were short; some for one year, others
for life. A man who had no guarantee of a term of
years would not be likely to do more than live from hand
to mouth.

Between poor land and short tenure it is not surprising
that most of the tenants were in debt to their landlord.
On the 1st of May, 1777, they owed him, in the shape
of mortgages, bonds and notes, £7,191.17.4, on which
they paid interest at the rate of 7% per annum. Seldom,
on American soil, has the feudal land system been so
perfectly exemplified.

Churches and ministers were strikingly scant in
Dutchess county. In 1755 there was one Quaker meet-
ing house and but very few settled ministers to meet the
spiritual needs of more than thirteen thousand people.
The majority belonged to the Dutch Church, but there
were also many Lutherans in Beekman's Precinct and
some Moravians. Forty-nine Quakers were divided
between the Oblong and Beekman's Precinct.

To these various religious persuasions was added a
little handful of communicants of the Church, who had
migrated from the parish of St. George's, Hempstead,
Long Island. In the strange country they yearned for
the services and Sacraments of their mother church.
Northward there was no rector nearer than Albany and

Chapel of St. Philip's in the Highlands 185

their thoughts turned to the Rev. Samuel Seabury,1 their
old minister at Hempstead. Although it involved a
journey on horseback of eighty miles, and Mr. Seabury
was no longer a young man, he readily responded to the
appeal of his former parishioners and between 1755 and
1762 made six visits to Dutchess County. On the first
occasion he "staid six days, and preached four times to
large assemblies." All told he baptized nine adults and
ninety-nine children. There was some opposition, which
found expression in an anonymous pamphlet entitled,
A Letter from a Gentleman to his Friend in Dutchess County.
To this Mr. Seabury replied under title, A Modest Reply
to A Letter From a Gentleman to his Friend in Dutchess
County Lately published by an anon-i-mous writer. In
the course of the reply he states that "The places pro-
posed for settling the Church are Rombout, Poughkeep-
sie, and the South Part of Crom Elbow precincts . . .
So great is the encouragement for the settling of a
Minister of the Church of England to serve in those

1 History of St. George's Church, Hempstead, by Rev. W. H. Moore,
D.D., p. 91-2.

Rev. Samuel Seabury was born at Groton, Conn., in 1706. He
married, first, Abigal Mumford who was the mother of Bishop Sea-
bury and died in 1731 ; second, Elizabeth Powell who died February 6th,
1799. He graduated from Harvard in 1724. After preaching for a
time amongst the Congregationalists he sought Episcopal ordination
and on August 21st, 1730, was appointed Missionary of the S. P. G. at
New London, Conn. In 1732 he became Rector of St. George's,
Hempstead, and ministered also at Oyster Bay and Huntington (Annals
of St. James, New London, Conn., by the Rev. R. A. Hallam, D.D.),
The following notice of his death appeared in the New York Post Boy
"Rev. Mr. Seabury died of a nervous disorder and an imposthume
in his side, June 15th, 1764, aged 58; a gentleman of amiable and
exemplary character, greatly and generally beloved and lamented."

186 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

places above mentioned & on the Borders of Beekman's
and Philipse's Precincts, that not less than 103 Persons,
ten of whom only are single, have already subscribed for
the Building of a Church for the Worship of God accord-
ing to the Liturgy of the Church of England."1 The
Society for the Propagation of the Gospel appointed Mr.
Seabury general missionary for Dutchess County in 1756. 2

Eventually it was found that the care of the parish at
Hempstead made it impossible to devote the necessary
time to so distant a field, and steps were taken to secure
a resident priest. Early in 1762 the Rev. John Beardsley,
missionary at Norwich and Groton, Connecticut, visited
the county with a view to a permanent settlement. Four
years later a glebe was purchased and Mr. Beardsley
took up his abode in Poughkeepsie. As yet there was no
church building, but in 1767 land was purchased in Fish-
kill and Trinity Church was erected. On Christmas Day,
1774, Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, was opened for
divine service, the sermon being preached by the Rev.
Samuel Provoost, who was then living at East Camp.

The first services in what afterwards became the parish
of St. Philip's in the Highlands were probably conducted
by Mr. Seabury. He was missionary for the entire
county, and the Highlands afforded a resting-place on the
journey to and from Hempstead. One who remembered
Mr. Seabury well described him "as seated on a strong
sorrel horse with his saddle-bags strapped to his saddle.
He was strongly built, but not tall . . . He wore a
three-cornered hat and small clothes and 'top boots.' "

1 Reynolds, Records of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, p. 6.
% Documentary History of the Protestant Episcopal Church, Vol. I,
Connecticut, p. 324.

Chapel of St. Philip's in the Highlands 187

In his reports to the Venerable Society for the Propaga-
tion of the Gospel, he records two visits to Philipse
Manor: June 29th, 1757, and November 11th, 1760.
It is more than likely that on those occasions he was an
honored guest in the home of Beverly Robinson.

Thus was the way opened for the erection of a chapel.
Beverly Robinson was a Churchman, as were also some of
the substantial tenant farmers. They were, however,
too few in number to undertake alone the maintenance of
a minister, and Fishkill and Poughkeepsie were too dis-
tant for practical co-operation. Naturally therefore they
turned to the south. The Churchmen of the Manors of
Philipse and Cortlandt joined forces.

So far as is known there exists no formal record of the
date of the erection of St. Philip's Chapel. Services
were held in a private house in the early Fall of 1770,
and the minutes of the Vestry make mention of a chapel
in the first month of 1772. It therefore seems reasonable
to assume that the building was erected in 1771. If so,
St. Philip's is second in age in Dutchess County to
Trinity Church, Fishkill.

The steps that led to a Chapel may be clearly and
accurately traced. In 1766 the residents of the High-
lands subscribed towards the erection of St. Peter's
Church. Beverly Robinson was one of the five Trustees,
and the Royal Charter expressly stipulated that it was
for "sundry inhabitants on the upper part of the Manor
of Cortlandt and the lower part of Philipse Patent."
The petition to the Venerable Society states that "the
minister should be settled at both places, so as to make
one congregation of the whole to preach every other
Sunday at the house of Jacob Mandeville," and Beverly

188 The History of St. Philip's Church

Robinson's gift of the glebe farm for the support of the
Minister was conditioned upon "his giving one half of
his time to the Highlands." In a further letter it is
stated that "it is intended to build another Church in
the lower end of the Philipse Patent."

The first known written record of the minutes of a
Vestry meeting is dated September 1st, 1770. Philips-
town was well represented. Beverly Robinson was
senior Warden, and Joshua Nelson and Thomas Daven-
port were the Philipstown members of the Vestry. At
that meeting the following resolution was passed:

Resolved, that in order to encourage the inhabitants
on the lower part of Philips Patten to subscribe to the
yearly maintenance of a Minister, that he shall offi-
ciate one half of his time in the neighborhood of Jacob
Mande on every other Sunday.

Jacob Mande ville1 came of a Dutch family, and the
house in which he lived, and in which the services were
first held, still stands at the "Four Corners." It was

1 Jacob Mandeville was of Dutch ancestry. He was a descendant
of Yellis Jansen de Mandeville who, with his wife and four children,
came to New York from or near Garderer in Holland in the de Trouw
(the Faith) on February 12th, 1659. They were members of the Dutch
Church. He purchased land on Long Island and lived at Shappano-
conk (Greenwich Village). In 1700 he sold the city farm to his second
son David, who was born in America. It ran from Hudson's River
to Warren road (14th to 21st Streets). Jacob Mandeville was the son
of David, who married on June 10th, 1709, Jannetje Jacobs Wortendyk,
maiden, from the Bowery, N. Y. (N. Y. Dutch Church Marriages).
They had seven children of whom Jacob was the eldest. He was
baptized January 10th, 1711. (N. Y. Genealogical Record, Vol.
XXXVIII, page 284 ff.) It is not known when Jacob Mandeville
came to live in the Highlands, but Beverly Robinson speaks of him
as an old tenant under Adolphe Philipse who died in 1749. He was a

Chapel of St. Philip's in the Highlands 189

afterwards occupied by his son-in-law, Joshua Nelson.
Even after the chapel was built services were still held
in this house, as witness this baptismal record of the Rev.
John Urquhart:

Baptised at Joshua Nelson's House on Sunday the
22nd of Novr, 1812, before the congregation after
divine worship, Susan, the daughter of George Reade
from Mr Stewarts mines.

The original gift of land for the chapel was one acre,
and the donor was Colonel Beverly Robinson. This
land was in serious danger of confiscation with the rest
of the estate, but it was finally secured to the parish by
the efforts of William Denning, who added "another acre
reserved to the Church for ever."1 In 1803, when Cor-
nelius Nelson sold 125 acres to Harry Garrison, it was
"exclusive of the three acres for the use of the Church."2

substantial tenant farmer cultivating 490 acres for which he paid an
annual rental of five pounds. The house at the "Four Corners" in
which he resided is undoubtedly the oldest in Garrison as "Beverly"
was not built until 1758. It is marked on the Villefranche and Erskine
maps as "Mandevilles." There is a tradition that it was used as a
Military Hospital during the War of the Revolution. Certainly it was
a place of call for Washington, and the wife of General Israel Putnam
died within its walls during the British attack on Fort Montgomery.

He married Sarah (or Martha), daughter of Thomas Davenport
about 1735. She died May 18th, 1782. His daughter Sarah, born
September 18th, 1736, married Joshua Nelson on the 3rd of January,
1754. A second daughter Hannah, born November 7th, 1737, became
the wife of Daniel Birdsall of Peekskill. Both Nelson and Birdsall
were members of the Vestry. A third daughter was married to one
Sebrings. The rent of the Mandeville farm was collected by Susannah

1 Hobart MSS.

2 Dutchess County Deeds, 180S.

190 The History of St. Philip's Church

In a letter dated 1813 the writer says:

S. Philips Church is situate near the banks of the
Hudson river, nearly opposite to West Point, and
about midway of the Highlands. Is a small building
on a very beautiful commanding rising ground, with
two acres of land.1

Like St. Peter's, the building was painted red.

The first actual mention of a chapel at Garrison occurs
in the Minutes of the Vestry of January 4th, 1772.
Money was needed for the work of the parish, and it was
ordered that Beverly Robinson "do furnish a ticket in
the Delaware Lottery out of the money collected in S.
Philips Chappell." In April of the same year the parish
organized a lottery of its own for "S, Peters Church at
Peeks Kill, and S. Philips Chappell in the Highlands."

The chapel had been built but a little more than four
years when the War of the Revolution broke out. Both
the English and the American authorities at once recog-
nized the strategic value of the Highlands. General
Washington spoke of Hudson's River as "the key that

Robinson up to March 20th, 1777, after which the property was for-
feited to the State.

State Treasurer's Receipt for Rent, New York, November 30th, 1784.
Received of Mr Joshua Nelson, one of the heirs of Jacob Mandeville,
deceased, thirty-one pounds, five shillings, which sum said Nelson pays
as rent due from him to the State for the farm occupied by the said
Jacob Mandeville and himself, being leased of Beverly Robinson whose
estate was forfeited to the People of the State of New York by his
attainder. The rent computed from the 20th of March, 1777, the
day of the date of Susannah Robinson's receipt for one year's rent to
the day the Commissioners of Forfeiture conveyed the said Farm, being
June 16th, 1784, is seven years and 3 months £5 per annum. (N. Y. in
the Revolution, Vol. XLT. p. 89).

1 Hobart MSS

Chapel of St. Philip's in the Highlands 191

locked the communication between the eastern and the
southern States," and regarded it as the most important
post in the United States.1 Each side contended vigor-
ously for possession of the gorge, and troops were con-
stantly in the neighborhood of the chapel. On Novem-
ber 12th, 1776, after a detailed inspection of the High-
lands, Washington entrusted their defence to Major-
General William Heath with instructions "to fortify them
with all possible expedition.' ' Guns were mounted on
the north and middle and south hills, and brigades were
stationed at "Robinsons" and Constitution Island.

One interesting episode may be singled out for men-
tion. As the Winter of 1780 approached preparations
were made for a grand forage. Teams were impressed
for this purpose in northern Westchester and lower
Dutchess — that is in the area served by the united
churches. Advantage was taken of the assembling of
the troops to hold a grand review in honor of some dis-

On April 10th, 1786, one of Mandeville's daughters writes the State
Treasurer as follows :
Sir,

Please pay my third share of the amount of the timber, firewood &c
taken for the use of the Army from the estate of my late father, Jacob
Mandeville, and valued by persons appointed by decree of the Quarter-
Master General and State Agent, to my sister, Mrs. Sebrings,

Hannah Birdsall.

Amount paid 350

July 17th, 1786.

Jacob Mandeville was a man of some importance in the Highlands.
At a Town meeting, held April 5th, 1772, he was appointed a Fence-
viewer and Highway-master from the Post Road near Widow Aries'
through the Highlands to the Four Corners, and from thence to Caleb

1 Memoirs of Major-General Heath, p. 237.

192 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

tinguished French officers. The review was held in a field
adjacent to the chapel. Heath thus describes the event:

Nov. 21st. — The troops destined for the grand for-
age paraded between Nelson's Point and the church.
Just before they marched, Chevalier Chastellux,
Major-General in the French army at Newport, and
some other French officers, arrived; the detachment
filed before them, and proceeded for the lines. The
French officers were much pleased with the appear-
ance of the troops.1

The effect of the War on the Highland church was dis-
astrous. Tradition has woven many stories concerning
the use to which St. Philip's was put by the stress of the
conflict. It is said to have been used as a hospital, and
also as a military prison, but there are no proofs of the
statements. One thing, however, is proved beyond
question — the church property was grievously damaged.

Nelson's, and from thence to Christopher Fowler's (Pelletreau, History
of Putnam Co., p. 458). There is not known to exist any official record
of the date of his death, but recently there has come to light an old man-
uscript book which belonged to Joshua Nelson (his son-in-law) in which
there is written the following, evidently copied from a tombstone:

Martha Mandevill

Deceased 18th May, 1782.

Jacob Mandevill

Husband of the above Martha Mandevill

Deceased the 27th of August

In the Year of our Lord Jesus Christ

One Thousand seven hundred and

eighty-foure

Aged 75 years.

1 Heath's Memoirs, p. 278. Cf Voyages en Amerique Septen-
trionale, by Chastellux. Vol. I, p. 65 ff. Paris; 1786.

Chapel of St. Philip's in the Highlands 193

William Denning, the first Warden of the parish after the
War, writes:

S. Philips in the Highlands had the windows, the
sidings and the floors taken away for the use of West
Point, and nothing of it left but the floor and the
frame. In this situation the present Patrons found
it and at great private expense repaired it as not one
farthing could ever be obtained from the public for
its destruction.1

An unknown writer of 1813 confirms the statement:

During the said War, S. Philips Church, being in
the vicinity of the armies, suffered greatly. Nothing
of it remained but the frame and the roof. The floor,
siding, doors and windows were destroyed or taken
away. The late Mrs. Ogilvie contributed generously,
which with a very scanty aid from an indigent popu-
lation, and the residue furnished by William Denning,
the Church was repaired, the floor laid, doors and win-
dows replaced, a pulpit and altar erected, the Church
painted,2 and a small decent schoolhouse erected.
This was done in 1786."3

No mention is made of the place of burial. It may have been in the
Churchyard of St. Philip's, but the probabilities are that he was interred
in the graveyard which then lay just behind his own house. (There
is considerable difficulty about the name of Jacob Mandeville's
wife. The tombstone gives it as "Martha." On the other hand the
Will of Thomas Davenport speaks of "the children of my daughter
'Sarah' Mandeville." In the absence of further information it seems
impossible to decide between the two.)

1 Archives of Trinity Corporation. Letter of William Denning to
the Rev. Mr. Hargill dated Sept. 10th, 1795.

2 Hobart MSS.

3 According to the minutes of the Vestry the schoolhouse was not
built until 1793.

194 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

The material damage was the least evil. The inter-
ruption of the spiritual work of the chapel was more
serious. The Rector had removed to Schenectady and
the senior Warden had joined the British forces in New
York. The infant cause was therefore deprived of its
spiritual director and its most influential layman. No
clerical aid could be obtained from adjacent parishes.
To the northward the churches both at Poughkeepsie
and Fishkill were closed, and the same conditions pre-
vailed in the parishes to the south. We have the au-
thority of Mr. Denning for the statement that "During
the War no regular worship took place in either of the
Churches and the interest of this weak and infant Insti-
tution seemed wholly abandoned."

The War over, the faithful of the flock of God pro-
ceeded to repair the waste. It should not be forgotten
that the Revolution wrought radical economic changes in
Philipstown, and the most important change was in the
ownership of the land. The small freeholder took the
place of the territorial magnate. The record of deeds
for Dutchess County at this period shows that when the
Commissioners of Forfeiture sold the Robinson estate
the purchasers, in many cases, were the tenants who
had farmed the land under Mr. Robinson.1 It was the
era of the small farmer with little capital and poor soil
and impoverished by the War. The Churchmen were
few in number, for not a few of those who had been associ-
ated with the beginning of St. Philip's had followed the

1 The 50,000 acres of Roger Morris were distributed amongst
nearly 250 buyers and the James De Lancey estate went to about
275 different persons. (Loyalism in New York during the Amer.
Rev. by A. C. Flick, Ph.D. p. 160.)

Chapel of St. Philip's in the Highlands 195

fortunes of Beverly Robinson and were in exile. Those
who remained had no clergymen to lead them. Their
little chapel had neither altar nor pulpit; neither floor
nor siding. Like a gaunt skeleton it stood on the hillside
without either door or window. The words of Hanani
to Nehemiah concerning Jerusalem describe the con-
dition alike of people and chapel:

The remnant that are left of the captivity there in
the province are in great affliction and reproach ; the
wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates
thereof are burned with fire.1

To re-establish the work under such conditions was a
herculean task, and with "head bloody, but unbowed"
they nobly rose to the occasion. The first requisite was
to fit the chapel for divine worship; the second, to
secure a minister. In the former task they were aided
by the leadership of William Denning, who had taken up
his residence in the Robinson homestead. He was a wise
counsellor and a liberal contributor to the work of
restoration. With his assistance and that of Mrs.
Ogilvie, extensive repairs were made to the building, to
which also was added, apparently for the first time, a
pulpit and an altar. But, alas! there was no resident
priest to feed the flock. Doubtless services were held
at such times as ministers could be found, but, it is to be
feared, they were few and far between. It was during
this trying period that the Rev. Silas Constant, a
Presbyterian pastor of Yorktown, preached at least
thrice in St. Philip's. The choice of a Rector waited upon
the re-organization of the Vestry, which was not accom-

1 Nehemiah I, 3.

196 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

plislied until April 5th, 1790, "being Monday in Easter
week." On that day William Denning was elected one
of the Wardens, and the other members of the Vestry
from the Highlands were Joshua Nelson, Silvanus Haight,
Richard Arnold and Jarvis Dusenbury. With the en-
gagement of David Lanison to "read service" in the two
churches the new era was ushered in.

Between the years 1792 and 1800 the records of St.
Philip's are very scanty. With the Church in America
it was a period of arrested development. It seemed as
though the supreme effort put forth to obtain the Episco-
pate had exhausted her vitality. The diocese of New
York at that time could not be justly accused of ag-
gression. Bishops Provoost and Moore seldom exer-
cised their office outside the city and neither of them
ever visited this parish, although the former announced
to the Diocesan Convention of 1790 that "he had it in
contemplation to visit the churches on the Hudson
whenever circumstances permit." The chronic difficulty
of the time — a difficulty acutely felt in the Highlands —
was the lack of clergy to minister in the vacant parishes.
The adherents of St. Philip's did their best and patiently
hoped for brighter days to dawn.

In 1800 it is recorded

That the Wardens and Vestry do agree with Harry
Garrison that he shall take the land that belongs to the
Church in the Highlands, exclusive of the garden that
is for the use of the School House, which land (he) said
Garrison is to have the use of for six years to paster
or mow, and (he) said Garrison is to put a good suffi-
cient fence all around it and two good swing gates, and
at the expiration of said six years do promise to deliver
said land to said Wardens and Vestry in good order.

Chapel of St Philip's in the Highlands 197

The agreement is dated April 14th, 1800, and is wit-
nessed by Jacob Nelson. Four years later William
Lancaster was appointed to call on Harry Garrison

to know if he will keep the Churchyard of S. Philips
in fence according to his agreement made with the
Wardens and Vestry in 1800, and if he will not, Mr.
Lancaster to see the fence put up.

In 1806 it was voted that

Harry Garrison, William Lancaster and Joshua
Lancaster have liberty to build three pews on the north
side of S. Philips Church and that Abraham Garri-
son, John Nelson, and Richard Hopper have liberty
to build three pews adjoining the above-mentioned
pews.

Three years later it was resolved

that the Church ground in the Highlands that is not
occupied by the School House is let to Harry Garrison
for twenty shillings for the ensuing year.

In 1820 Harry Garrison and Tunis Cronke were
appointed a committee

to affect the repairs of the Church in the Highlands,
and to make a good stone fence along the road, and
to make one good and sufficient gate to enter the
Church grounds.

In those days a good deal of energy, and not a little
money, was expended on the renovation of the church
building. There is still preserved a tattered and browned
document dated January 26th, 1826, containing the
appeal for money and the names of the subscribers.
The appeal is thus worded:

In all ages and in every community the best regu-
lated Societies have been those where the Gospel is

198 The History of St. Philip's Church

preached and the ordinances thereof, in some form
or other, statedly administered, and duly attended
too. Setting aside every consideration the moral prin-
cipals of the Gospel are universally allowed to be bene-
ficial to Society in general. This influence on the minds
of men whenever they are duly observed produce
love to God and good- will towards men, advancing not
only their future good, but their present comfort and
prosperity. Convinced in some degree of the above
facts, and taking into consideration the decayed
and ruinous condition of S. Philips Church in Philips-
town, we the subscribers do promise and agree to pay
the several sums affixed to our respective names for the
repairs of the said Church whenever called for, and to
use such other endeavour as shall seem meet to us in
order to establish the worship of God in said Church.
The whole to be under the directions of the Church
Wardens and Vestry or such other persons as they
may appoint.

In response to this reasoned appeal $525.74 were con-
tributed, Frederick Philipse heading the list with $200.
There were over thirty donations of one dollar. Thus in
1827 the Rev. Edward J. Ives was able to write Bishop
Hobart, "The Church in the Highlands has been repaired
since I came here. They raised a subscription to the
amount of Five hundred dollars to do it. It is now well
finished."1

In spite of this expenditure the renovation could not
have been very thorough, for in 1833 another effort was
made to raise money to repair the church. The effort
had the approval of the Bishop of the Diocese, who en-
dorsed it in these words:

1 Hobart MSS.

Chanel of St. Philip's in the Highlands 199

S. Philips Church, Philipstown, one of the oldest
Churches in the State, being much out of repair, the
Vestry are desirous of refitting it for the comfortable
celebration of divine service. The parish is small and
not able to accomplish the object without aid. The
spiritual prospects were never better than at present;
and I would express the hope that they may be en-
abled by the liberality of friends, to effect the im-
portant purpose in which they are engaged.

Benj T. Onderdonk,
Bishop of the diocese of New York
New York,

Oct. 10th, 1833.

The following were the amounts subscribed:

F. Gouverneur1 200-00

I. and A. E. Watson 50-00

Harry Garrison 25-00

John Garrison 20-00

Gouverneur Kemble 25-00

Daniel Haight 20-00

Mrs. Cooper 20-00

I. W. Dominick 10-00

Mr. Garrison 3-00

Thomas S. Clarkson 3-00

Rev. Samuel R. Johnson 10-00

Murray Hoffman 10-00

Peter A. Jay 3-00

The clergyman of that day, the Rev. J. Sunderland,
evidently spent some time in New York for the purpose
of soliciting donations in furtherance of this appeal, and
we have the good fortune to possess the account of his
expenses presented to the Vestry. It is as follows:

1 Later known as Frederick Philipse.

200 The History of St. Philip' s Church

Philipstown, Oct. 1st, 1833
S. Philip's Church to James Sunderland, Dr.
To Board N. Y. city 6 days at 1-50 per day, 9-00

To passage and back 3-00

To Board N. Y. City 12 days at 1-50 per day 18-00
To passage and back 3-00

To Directory and Map of the City 2-50

$35-00

The scheme was held in abeyance for lack of sufficient
funds, and in 1834 an appeal was made to the Corporation
of Trinity Church for assistance. Apart from its wit-
ness to financial conditions, it sketches in an interest-
ing fashion the conditions of Church life in the High-
lands in the thirties. The document is preserved in the
archives of Trinity Church and is in the handwriting
of Frederick Philipse. It is worded as follows:

To the Corporation of Trinity Church
in the City of New York.

The undersigned, on behalf of St. Philip's Church,
respectfully ask leave to state,

That St. Philip's Church is situated nearly opposite
West Point, with a Population in its vicinity which is
now split up into various sects, principally Metho-
dists, Baptists, and Episcopalians, and as is usual in
Country Parishes most of them are Farmers & others
of limited resources, & dependant upon their personal
exertions for the support of their families. The
greater part of this population in the opinion of your
Petitioners could in a short time be united in the sup-
port of Episcopalians, were St. Philips either rebuilt
or properly repaired. We feel the more confidence in
this opinion from the facts, that (with the exception
of the Churches at Coldspring of which none is
Episcopal, and also of a small Methodist Church

Chapel of St. Philip's in the Highlands 201

which has never been finished from want of means
and is in consequence rarely used even in the milder
season of the year) there is no other Church of any
denomination on the same side of the River, within a
distance of eight or ten miles and secondly, That the
whole of Putnam County formerly belonged to the
Philipse Family, all of whom were Episcopalians. St.
Philip's Church was erected chiefly by that Family
with the aid and exertions of Col. Beverly Robinson,
who married one of the Branches, and resided on the
Estate in this Vicinity and being an active and popu-
lar man with a large tenancy under him, most of the
tenants at that time, in the vicinity attached them-
selves to this Church — and to this day it is well known
that many of the largest families in the neighbouring
country are descendants from Episcopalians.

St. Philips was built shortly previous to the Revo-
lutionary War, but in consequence of the War and the
retirement of Col. Robinson it was left in a very
unfinished state. Some small repairs have occasion-
ally been made by the inhabitants, as their means
would allow but it has never been put in a comfort-
able, indeed scarcely a habitable condition, it having
been found extremely difficult to obtain from the
Inhabitants, (from inability better than indisposition)
a sufficiency for the support of a clergyman, by the
united churches of Peekskill and Philips Town. —
A more active feeling however has of late evinced
itself, with the growth of this part of the Country,
which is highly encouraging, and we have no doubt
that with a donation of one thousand dollars from
Trinity Church and what might be obtained from
individuals, possibly Five hundred dollars, the Church
could be plainly, but well repaired, finished and
painted. — We feel ourselves however, bound to admit
it as doubtful whether a larger sum than is above
stated, could at the present period, be collected by the

202 The History of St. Philip's Church

Vestry, added to the charge of supporting a clergyman,
altho' on the other hand we are confident, that if the
Church be once put in order, its Congregation would
rapidly increase and a sufficient salary soon provided
for a Parish Minister — When also the advantage that
this Church enjoys from the great facility of com-
munication, for the occasional services of the Clergy-
man, of West Point, New Burgh, Fishkill, and of other
visitors at West Point, in the summer season, it will
we hope be perceived that the donation solicited
would be well bestowed and, as far as the spiritual
interests of this Church in general are concerned,
productively invested. —

It may be proper to add that St. Philips is the only
Episcopal Church in the County, with an organized
congregation. There is we believe an old Church at
Paterson, a distance of near thirty miles, now gone to
decay & never used, for the particular condition of
which we refer to the Right Rev. Bishop of the Dio-
cese.
Philips Town— June 28, 1834

(Signed)

Harry Garrison ) „T ,
~ ~ t Wardens

S. Gouverneur )

Fredk. Philips
John Garrison
Danl. Haight
A. E. Watson

Vestrymen

This formal petition was preceded by the following
personal letter, written by Samuel Gouverneur :

Highland Grange, 7 April 1834.
My dear Sir: —

When I had the pleasure of seeing you last Fall,
you promised to speak to our friend Mr. Johnson
on the subject of aiding us in repairing St. Philip's

Chapel of St. Philip's in the Highlands 203

Church, and recommended our deferring it until the
Spring. Our Congregation generally are poor, but
increasing — We have made every exertion and shall
still fall short $1000. If Trinity Church could aid us
at present with about 500 D. and as much more when
you settle with the Corporation for the Ground, they
seem determined to take from the Church, in order to
open Pine Street; it will enable our Vestry to fit up
St. Philips respectably and comfortably.

Our Vestry have never asked for any assistance
before — this Church was originally built by the late
Col. Robinson, and the Philips Family, who all be-
long to Trinity Church, and I certainly think we have
a very fair claim on the Mother Church, for some
assistance at this time. Believe me with great regard
Yours very truly,

(Signed) S. Gouverneur.1
Thos. L. Ogden, Esq.

The request was renewed again the following year in
these words:

To the Rector, Church Wardens & Vestrymen
of Trinity Church in the City of New York.

The undersigned on behalf of St. Philip's Church,
in Putnam County, would again beg leave respect-
fully, to call your attention to the Petition submitted
by them about a year since, for aid, in repairing the
Church under their care.

Relying upon the encouragement that was last
Season, indirectly given them, that some aid would
be rendered by Trinity Church, and also upon the ex-
ertion of certain individuals, by whom private sub-
scriptions were solicited & obtained to the extent
of say $350. to 400. a partial alteration & repair of

1 Archives of Trinity Corporation.

204 The History of St. Philip's Church

the Church was commenced and an expenditure has
been already incurred of near $300. The Season has
now again returned when the work should be resumed
and finished without delay, and the undersigned
would therefore earnestly hope that by an early
donation from Trinity Church, and the private con-
tributions, already obtained, this long neglected
Church may be put in a state of decent repair at last,
if not upon a footing with those of other denomi-
nations but a few miles distant.

For the satisfaction of your Vestry, a statement of
the proposed repairs, with an estimate of the cost is
submitted upon the other side.
We are

Very respectfully yours
Philips Town, April 16, 1836.

Charles Luck, Rector.

Harry Garrison, ) Tlcr ,
0 ^ t Wardens.

S. Gouverneur, J

John Garrison,

Daniel Haight, Y Vestrymen.

Fredk. Philipse,

The petition was accompanied by this estimate for the
proposed alterations and repair of St. Philip's Church:

For Pulpit & Desk, Chancel & Pews, closing
air door & other details inside — all which
could not with any propriety be dispensed
with $ 300.

For repairing window sashes & Green blinds
(The sashes now are very old & it has no
blinds whatever) 150.

For Portico on porch, there being now no
protection whatever, from the weather,
upon the outside 150.

Chapel of St. Philip's in the Highlands 205

Painting the Church inside and outside, it
being now entirely bare — and also the fence
proposed to be built around the yard 350 .

For enclosing the yard about 2J4 acres with
a Pale fence — the grounds being now en-
tirely exposed — Stone Walls, by which it
formerly was enclosed in part requiring
constant repair, on account of the frost and
also for clearing the grounds now overrun
with Brushy and making a convenient
wagon road, through the yard to the
Church for use in stormy weather — and
sundry minor expenses 250 .

$1200.
Philips Farm, April 16, 1836.

(Signed)

F. Gouverneur

Harry Garrison

John Garrison

Fredk. Philipse

Danl. Haight.

There is no record of a favorable response to this appeal.
The alterations were not carried out until 1835 and
were somewhat extensive. There is on record a contract
between Samuel Gouverneur and George Lent, which
provides for the building of "a Vestry-room, pulpit-desk
and chancel/ ' in addition to which the roof was shingled,
and the entrance was removed from the middle of the
south side to the east end of the church.

The account of the renovation is thus rendered :
Dr.

To contract of Geo. W. Lent, $241 . 78

F. Griffin for Painting, 72 . 00

Terbon for Paint 130.53

$444.31

206 The History of St. Philip's Church

Cr.

Sundry subscriptions, mainly from New York,

collected by Rev. Mr. Luck,

$105.00

Henry De Rham for repairs

50.00

Saml Gouverneur for repairs

100.00

Mr. and Mrs. DeRham for Paint,

50.00

Miss Moore, for painting

5.00

F. Griffin, to paint,

2.00

F. Griffin, allowance for Brushes,

.63

Harry Garrison

10.00

Saml. Gouverneur to paint,

25.00

Collected by Judge Harry Garrison,

16.00

Balance due,

80.68

$444.31

The balance was paid by Samuel Gouverneur and
Frederick Philipse.

Thus renovated the church was consecrated on the
27th of July, 1837, by Bishop Onderdonk, who reports
to the Diocesan Convention:

Consecrated S. Philips Church, Philipstown, Put-
nam County: a building erected before the Revolu-
tionary War, and consequently, as we had no Bishop,
not been consecrated; but recently renewed in the
interior in a very neat and commodious manner.1

The Revs. Thomas Warner, Richard Cox and John
Brown (St. George's, Newburgh) were present and
assisted in the service, which was made more memorable
by the ordination to the priesthood of the Rev. Henry
Lemuel Storrs, minister of the parish.

In The Churchman, Bishop Onderdonk thus describes
the service:

1 New York Convention Journal, 1837.

<^<^ - _x (y^^/^^s^Jz y-T^/f*—

Bishop of New York

Chapel of St. Philip's in the Highlands 207

Thursday, July 27th, consecrated St. Philip's
Church, Philipstown, and admitted its minister, the
Rev. H. L. Storrs, Deacon to the Priesthood. The
Instrument of Donation was presented on behalf of
the Vestry, by the Hon. Harry Garrison, and read
by the minister. The sentence of Consecration was
read by the Rev. John Brown, rector of St. George's
Church, Newburgh, Orange County; who also read
Morning Prayer, assisted by the Rev. Thomas Warner
chaplain and professor in the United States Military
Academy, West Point, who read the lesson; the ser-
mon preached by the Bishop; and the candidate
presented by the Rev. Richard Cox.1

Reading between the lines of the records, it is possible
to glean some idea of Church life and worship during the
last years of the eighteenth and the opening years of the
nineteenth centuries. The chapel was a barn-like
structure of clap-boards, standing on a wooded knoll and
surrounded by a few weather-beaten gravestones. It
was built of oak and there is a tradition that the boards
were axe-hewn from trees grown upon what is now the
Highland House property. That it was a small building
is witnessed by a pencilled note on the fly-leaf of the
original minute book of the Vestry, which reads, "Sept.
7th, 1846. I measured the size of S. Philip's Church
outside and find it 30 x 36 feet. F. P." (Frederick
Philipse). Prior to 1835 the entrance was in the middle
of the south side of the chapel, and the lofty rounded-
top windows reached to the roof plate. The interior
was severely plain. The walls were bare boards, not
being plastered until 1835. The most conspicuous
feature was the tall "three-decker pulpit," which stood

1 Churchman, 1837. Vol. VII. No. 21.

208 The History of St. Philip's Church

in the center and was surrounded by a Communion rail.
There was a large window behind the pulpit. For sixty-
five years there was no Vestry-room, but a portion of the
west end was partitioned off by a blue curtain. In the
early days pews were unknown, the worshippers sitting
on rough hewn benches. In 1809 permission was ac-
corded by the Vestry to Harry Garrison and others to
build pews in the chapel. An unnamed writer of 1813
says of St. Philip's, "A few pews were erected by indi-
viduals, and temporary seats of plank for the conven-
ience of others."1

The services were as unpretending as the structure.
There was no choir and no organ, but on special occasions
a bass viol was used. The tunes were "set" by someone
in the congregation . Maria Nelson was the first ' * singer, * '
but complaint was made that "this was too much like
the Methodists," and the experiment was abandoned.
The minister read the Liturgy in a surplice, and during
the singing of the hymn before the sermon retired behind
the curtain to don a black gown for preaching. For
many years the men sat on one side of the church and the
women on the other. Almost every Sunday the children
of the parish were catechized before their grave and rever-
end elders. Unlooked for incidents at times interfered
with the comfort and disturbed the gravity of the assem-
bled worshippers. Not infrequently the stove smoked
badly and induced an epidemic of coughing. Dogs accom-
panied their masters to church, and, once at least, set to
fighting in the middle of the service. After one of the
dogs had indulged in a fit, dumb animals were excluded.

1 Hobart MSS.

Chapel of St. Philips in the Highlands 209

The difficulties confronting the chapel in those early
days were enough to daunt the bravest. For the first
thirteen years of its history there were no Bishops of the
Church in America, and for still another three years no
Bishop in the whole State of New York. Appeal after
appeal had been sent to England for Episcopal oversight,
but political and other reasons prevailed against favorable
action, and, as a contemporary writer said, "there seems
no one to care for these few poor sheep in the wilderness. "

The number of available clergy for the American
Colonies was painfully inadequate. For the most part
they were men who were sent out as missionaries by the
English Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in
Foreign Parts, and that admirable Society was limited
on the one hand by lack of funds, and on the other by
scarcity of men who were able and willing to cross the
seas. Fewer still were the Americans who were qualified
for Holy Orders, and few as they were, the difficulties
in the way of ordination were well nigh insuperable.
Orders could be only obtained at the hands of the English
Bishops, and the journey was long and costly. In those
days a voyage across the Atlantic was not without its
real perils. When Joseph Lamson, one of the first of the
clergy to preach at Peekskill, left America with Mr.
Miner to seek ordination in England, he and his com-
panion were captured by the French on the voyage, and
were imprisoned in France and Spain for five months.
Eventually both men reached England, where Mr. Miner
died.1 Such incidents did not make it easier to gain
recruits for the sacred ministry.

1 Two Hundred Years of the S. P. G., Vol. II, p. 356.

210 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

Scarcely was the parish of St. Peter's and St. Philip's
organized when the political difficulties with England
threatened to become acute. The Church was viewed
with the gravest suspicion because of its English origin.
There is an old tradition that when George Washington,
with his staff, was riding past St. Philip's, one of his
officers said, "That is a Tory Church," to which Wash-
ington replied, "It is my Church." Whether that be
true or not, it is an index to the current feeling concerning
the Church in the Colonies. Certainly the Clergy were
in a most embarrassing situation. At their ordination
they had taken the solemn oath of allegiance to the
King, and it was no light matter to violate that oath.

The idea that the Church in America was bitterly
opposed to the struggle for Independence dies hard. The
truth really is, it was sharply divided into two camps —
Whig and Tory. Bishop Seabury was a Tory of the
Tories; Bishop White was a Whig, and one of Washing-
ton's trusted advisers; that line of division ran through
the whole Church. Such sharp political dissension was
very marked in this parish. The leading Churchman
in the Highlands was Beverly Robinson, senior Warden
of the parish, and in Cortlandt, Pierre Van Cortlandt.
Beverly Robinson fought on the British side, and Pierre
Van Cortlandt was one of the trusted leaders of the
Revolution. The first Rector, the Rev. John Doty,
though an American by birth, was an uncompromising
Tory, whilst Joshua Nelson and Daniel Birdsall, two of
his Vestrymen, were ardent Revolutionists. The manu-
script records of the State during the Revolution show
that Joseph Travis, Daniel Birdsall, Samuel Drake,
Abraham and Ebenezer Purdy were members of the

Chapel of St. Philip's in the Highlands 211

* 'Committee' ' and that in July, 1776, Francis Pemart,
James Spock and William Penoyer applied to the Pro-
vincial Congress for leave to form a company of artillery.1
On the other hand in the list of Tories appear the names
of Joshua Purdy, Elijah Purdy, Peter Drake, Peter Cor-
ney, Isaac Hatfield and Caleb Morgan. On June 15th,
1776, Joshua Purdy, Peter Corneyand Caleb Morgan were
ordered under arrest and imprisoned in White Plains jail
by the Commissioners to Detect Conspiracies.2 Politi-
cally, the parish was divided against itself. Little wonder
that the churches were closed, the Vestry meetings sus-
pended, and no regular services held from 1775 to 1790.

The parish resumed its life in a crippled condition.
It had no Rector; its former Warden and chief benefac-
tor had fled the country; it had lost its glebe farm, on
which it principally depended for the support of a min-
ister; and of St. Philip's Chapel "nothing remained but
the frame and the roof; the floor, siding, doors and win-
dows being destroyed or taken away during the War."3

From 1790 onwards to 1830 the minutes bear ample
witness to pathetic, and often vain attempts, to secure
ministerial oversight. There were even fewer Clergy
than before the Revolution. When Provoost became
first Bishop of New York in 1787 he found himself with
only a handful of Clergy for the entire State. The
harvest truly was great, but the laborers were few.
England could no longer be looked to for men, and in
1785 the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel ceased
to send out missionaries to America. Weakened by

1 Calendar of Historical MSS. 1664-1776, p. 473.

2 Ibid, 341, 455.

3 Hobart MSS.

212 The History of St. Philip's Church

the Revolution, the American Church was not yet in
a position to supply her own ministerial needs. Hence
in the life of the parish there were long intervals dur-
ing which no Rector could be obtained, and the work
languished. Sometimes the gap was filled by the
employment of laymen who "read the services in the
Church," but oftener the doors of the churches were
closed and the bell rang out no call to public worship.
Appeal after appeal was made to the Bishop, as witness
the appointment of a committee in 1809 "to intercede
with the Bishop for a Clergyman." But the Bishop
was powerless, for he had "no candidate," and could only
promise "to charge his memory with the application."

There was another, and very practical reason for the
difficulty in obtaining a Rector, and that was the pitiful
smallness of the remuneration offered. In those days the
Highlands were scantily peopled by what the historian of
1813 calls "an indigent population," who gave scanty
support to the two Churches, and the various Rectors
shared the general poverty. In 1770 the Rev. John
Doty was "passing rich on forty pounds a year," and
in 1792 the Rev. Andrew Fowler was paid seventy
pounds per annum, New York currency — one hundred
and seventy-five dollars. The same modest stipend was
paid to his successor, the Rev. Samuel Haskell, but in
1797 the Vestry intimated to Mr. Haskell that owing to
"the rapid decline of religious worship it was impossible
to continue his annual support." In 1806 the compen-
sation of the Rev. Joseph Warren was two hundred
dollars "together with the Glebe." In a letter dated
March 5th, 1827, the Rev. Edward J. Ives writes from
Peekskill to Bishop Hobart asking for assistance and

Chapel of St. Philip's in the Highlands 213

says, "My salary is insufficient to support me. I must
have assistance from some source, or relinquish the
charge of these Churches. The object of my writing
you was, in part, to ask charity to support my little
family. My salary for the ensuing year is to be only
$300 — a little more if they can get it — a scanty pittance
indeed."1 Scanty as was the "pittance," it was not
promptly paid. There were no pew rents, and the
Rector's stipend had to be raised by subscriptions, which
were not always forthcoming, for in 1794 we find the
Rev. Andrew Fowler complaining to the Vestry that
"the Church at Peekskill had neglected to discharge their
part of the first half of the first year's salary." If, as
happened at least once in the parish, the Rector was
not popular, his stipend was not forthcoming. In the
Hobart collection there is preserved an interesting letter
written by Harry Garrison to the Bishop in 1813, in
which he says, "we are as able today to support a good
Rector as we were the first day he came to our place — but
are not willing to pay him."2

It is not therefore surprising to learn — from another
source — that "the present incumbent, although aided
by a school, found it difficult to subsist last Fall until
Captain Philipse, William Henderson and William Den-
ning contributed by gift to his relief!"

The whole situation is summed up in a letter written
ninety-six years ago to the Bishop, "Several essays were
made to establish a respectable Clergyman, but the sums
subscribed held out indifferent encouragement to such."3

1 Hobart MSS.

2 Hobart MSS.

3 Hobart MSS.

214 The History of St. Philip's Church

Little wonder that the sheep, so often unshepherded,
strayed from the fold. The congregations diminished;
the Holy Communion was infrequently administered;
baptisms and confirmations were rare; and the dead
were buried either by laymen, or without a service at all.
A sad, though interesting, picture of conditions in 1827 is
sketched by the Rev. Edward J. Ives. He writes to the
Bishop :

In compliance with your request I came into the
parishes of Peekskill and Philipstown immediately
after I had received letters of recommendation from
you to the most influential and wealthy Episcopalians
who professed to belong to them. I found the Church
in a wretched, disorganized state, its former mem-
bers strayed from the "true fold," and but very few
left who were nominally Episcopalians, and these
ignorant of the usages and institutions of their Church.
Methodism and Calvinism and what not had led
them into the paths of error and schism, and the
general cry was, "it is no matter what we are, so long
as we believe in and agree the fundamental doc-
trines of Christianity." Lamentable to relate, this
cry (to the injury of our church) is made even among
those who call themselves Churchmen. These pro-
fessions of Charity on the part of Episcopalians are
very pleasing to the ear of those, who once perse-
cuted us to the death, but who are now from sinister
motives adopting a contrary course. But it affords
me infinite pleasure in mentioning to you that the
societies now under my charge are in a more flour-
ishing state than what they were two or three months
after I came here. The Church in the Highlands
has been repaired since I came here. They raised a
subscription to the amount of five hundred dollars
to do it. It is now well finished, and has had an

Chapel of St. Philip's in the Highlands 215

addition of five to her communicants. The Church
at Peekskill is out of repair, and it requires about one
hundred dollars to make it decent to meet in.1

One more factor added immensely to parochial diffi-
culties, and that was the extreme bitterness of feeling
between the Church and other Christian bodies — notably
the Presbyterians, who were the oldest and strongest
body in this vicinity. It was characteristic of the times.
The letters of the missionaries of the Society for the Prop-
agation of the Gospel are full of the bitter persecutions
they suffered at the hands of those who served the same
Lord. Neither one side nor the other made any attempt
to "hold the faith in the unity of the Spirit and the bond of
peace." On the contrary, they were at war. They re-
joiced more over making one proselyte than in the turning
of many sinners to repentance. The feeling against the
Church was partly political, and partly doctrinal, but it
was exceedingly strong. The weakness of the parish
through the lack of a regular ministry was eagerly seized
as an opportunity for an inroad. In 1813 it was reported
of the parish to Bishop Hobart that

the congregation has been greatly lessened by other
denominations taking advantage of the paralyzed
state of the Churches remaining so long without
funds, and without a minister, but on arrival of its
prosperity, it would soon recover these members and
many others.2

The most formidable personal rival of the Church was
the Rev. Silas Constant, the minister of the Presbyterian
Church at Yorktown from 1783 to 1825. Mr. Constant,

1 Hobart MSS.

2 Hobart MSS.

216 The History of St . P hilip9 s Church

for some years, kept a journal in which he recorded his
journeyings, and that journal has recently been printed
for private circulation. He was untiring in his efforts
to build up his church, and especially so in Peekskill and
the Highlands, where he visited and preached almost
daily. His journal records repeated services held in the
house of the Birdsalls, the Drakes, the Wards and the
Dusenburys, all of whom were members of the Vestry.
He was persistent in his efforts to hold services in St.
Peter's Church, and, thrice he records his preaching at
"the Church in the Highlands." About 1806 Daniel
Birdsall applied to the Vestry for leave to Mr. Constant
to preach in St. Peter's. The application evidently
caused some embarrassment, for on October 20th, 1806,
it was

Voted that the consideration of Mr. Constants
preaching in the Church be post-poned until next
Vestry meeting,

and on Easter Monday, 1807, it was again

Voted that the consideration of the Rev. Mr. Con-
stants preaching in the Church be deferred.

A little later in the year the Vestry resolved

That leave cannot be granted to the Rev. Mr. Con-
stant to preach in the Church of S. Peter's consistent
with the Canons of the Church.

Leave, or no leave, Mr. Constant did preach in the
churches. As early as 1791 his journal records his ser-
vices in the Church at Philipsto wn :

February 15th, 1791. — Preached at the Church in
the Highlands, 2 Peter last. October 24th, 1796.—

Chapel of St. Philip's in the Highlands 217

Rode to the Highlands, preached [at the] Church,
Psalms xci, 1; staid at Mr. Nelson's.

August 25th, 1799 — Preached at Highlands Isaiah
liii, 10, married E. Osborne and H. Bedell.1

In 1814 there stands in the minutes of the Vestry this
resolution :

Voted, that the sum of ninety-one dollars and fifty
cents be paid to Mr. Constant out of the money not
otherwise appropriated, one half to be paid to Mr
Constant out of the first half rent year, the remainder
at the years end to be paid by James Mandevill to said
Mr Constant.

There is no indication of the reason for this payment.
Mr. Constant had become a Congregationalist, and
apparently he tried once more to secure the churches for
preaching, for in 1816 we read in the minutes of the
Vestry:

Whereas there has been an application to the
Wardens and Vestrymen of the two United Churches
of S. Peter's and S. Philips for to allow the Inde-
pendent Congregation to occupy a part of the Church
when not occupied by us, and the question being put
weather they would consent to let the application
made to us, it was unanimously agreed that we give
no such consent until further consideration.

By the courtesy of surviving members of the family I
am able to copy some entries from the journal of the late
Samuel Gouverneur bearing on Church life in the thir-
ties:

1 Journal of the Rev. Silas Constant, pp. 176, 255 % 333.

218 The History of St. Philip's Church

1831. Saturday, 28th May. Bishop Onderdonk ar-
rived this afternoon.

Sunday, 29th May. Bishop Onderdonk offic-
iated in S. Philips Church and left us Monday
evening for New Burgh.
Sunday, 10th July. Mr Mitchell preached in
S. Philips Church and all the family attended.

1832. Sunday, 3rd May. Bishop Onderdonk came
over from West Point and preached for us.
Sunday 14th October. Paid James McLennan
$1 to pay Clergyman.

Friday 28th December. Rev. Mr Sunderland
arrived with letter from Bishop Onderdonk.
Vestry meeting held at Crofts.
Sunday, Dec. 30th. Mr. Sunderland preached
in S. Philips Church with a pretty good con-
gregation; remained till April 1st at the rate
of $300 per annum;

1833. Wednesday, 8th May. Bishop Onderdonk
and Mr Judd arrived.

Thursday, 9th May, Mr. Sunderland ordained
Priest.1

It may be interesting to reproduce a statement of the
account of St. Philip's Chapel, dated February 8th, 1834:

To balance brought forward, $ 68 . 16

To cash S. Gouverneur (subscription), 72.50

« R. D. Arden, 10.00

" A.E.Watson, 8.00

" paid Rev. J. Sunderland, 30.00

do by Fredk Philipse, 25 . 00

To Bill of Board for Rev. J. Sunderland, 190 . 00

To Horse Hire 4.50

To going to Farm to collect Rent, 2.00

To cash paid to William Nelson in suit with

James Mandeville 13.94

Interest on Mr. Sunderland's Board Bill, 8 . 19

1 MS. Journal of Samuel Gouverneur.

Chapel of St. Philip's in the Highlands 219

In the same year under date of September 17th there
is preserved this memorandum of the subscriptions for
the support of Mr. Sunderland:

Paid by Harry Garrison to Mr. Sunderland $ 0 . 62J^

Rec'd of Harry Garrison by C.

Nelson

4.37^

Rec'd of Catherine Copper

2.50

Rec'd of Capt. J. Warren

2.00

Rec'd of Daniel Haight

2.00

Rec'd of John F. Haight

1.50

Rec'd of Richard Hopper

.50

Rec'd of Richard D. Arden

10.00

Geo. Haight — paid to Mr Sunderland

3.00

Daniel Haight do

1.00

Rec'd of Richard D. Arden in full of his sub-

cription

10.00

Reed of I. N. Mead

1.00

$38,493^
On this subscription paper there is this endorsement:

Captain Corn8 Nelson

I inclose you our Subscription List and wish you
would hire a horse and go round this afternoon and
collect what you can — except Mr Gouv Kemble, as
Mr Sunderland will be here to-morrow. I request
you'll not refuse me this favour which shall be paid
for

S. Gouverneur

Saturday Afternoon.

The spiritual condition of the chapel may be gleaned
from the page of the Journal of the Diocese of New
York. In 1834 the Rev. J. Sunderland reports:

Baptisms 4

Communicants 14

Sunday School: Teachers 7, Scholars 25

220 The History of St. Philip's Church

and adds, "the prospects before us are somewhat en-
couraging. Our congregation is on the gradual increase,
and their appears to be an increasing attention to the
weekly ministrations of the Gospel."1

Two years later, his successor, the Rev. H. L. Storrs,
reports, "I preach once every Sunday at Philipstown. I
also preach every Sunday afternoon at Cold Spring, a
village three miles from Philipstown. I have been so
short a time here that it has not been in my power to
ascertain as yet much in relation to the state of Religion
and the Church. There is every reason however to
believe that a faithful discharge of ministerial duty will
advance their piety. A Sunday School has already been
formed in S. Philip's Church which is very well attended,
and, as has ever been the case, will be the means of dis-
seminating much valuable religious instruction amongst
not only the children, but also the members of the
parish."2

In 1837 the parochial returns show

Baptisms 2

Confirmations 4

Communicants 15

Marriages 3

Funerals 3

Sunday School : Teachers 3. Scholars 37

and the following contributions :

Education and Missionary Society 6-62

Episcopal Fund 1-96

Diocesan Fund 2-03

Various purposes 20-28

1 New York Convention Journal, 1834, p. 95.

2 New York Convention Journal, 1836, p. 86.

Chapel of St. Philip's in the Highlands 221

In 1838 the Rev. Edward C. Bull reports, "It is about
three months that I have been engaged in this place in the
performance of ministerial duty. During the Winter
previous to my arrival the Church, as I have been in-
formed, was closed. The Sunday School was however
kept in operation."1

Mr. Bull preached in St. Philip's on Sunday mornings,
and in the afternoon at Cold Spring, "where there are
some zealous Episcopalians, but, as yet, no regularly
organized parish."

The year 1839 was the last of association with St.
Peter's. The Rev. Ebenezer Williams reports two con-
firmations, and thirty Sunday School scholars " with the
efficient aid of six female teachers." Of the work at
Cold Spring he says, "It is strongly anticipated that a
neat and commodious Episcopal edifice will be erected
in the course of the coming year." Writing of his work
at St. Philips, he adds:

I rejoice that Providence seems to smile upon the
congregation, and I cannot but flatter myself that my
feeble efforts to promote the glory of God and the
salvation of immortal souls will be crowned with
success. At the Episcopal visitation twenty-one
partook of the Holy Sacrament. I am not able at
present to ascertain the exact number of Com-
municants, no parish Register having been kept of the
past year. The ladies of the Church, in conjunction
with the charitable female members of the congre-
gation, and others at Cold Spring have formed a
"Ladies Benevolent Society," which is in successful
operation. The great need of Sunday School books
and other means to encourage children to attend,

1 New York Convention Journal, 1838, p. 91.

222 The History of St. Philip's Church

most of them living at a considerable distance from
the Church, has hitherto prevented my presenting the
necessary canonical collections, but shall forthwith
attend to them, hoping they will be liberally contri-
buted.1

In the eighteenth century public education was mainly
carried on under the auspices of the Churches, and Garri-
son was no exception to the rule. The first school-house
stood in the chapel grounds, and was apparently erected
by the Vestry. In a letter written to Bishop Hobart
in 1813 it is stated that "a small decent School house was
erected in 1785," 2 but nothing is recorded in the minutes
of the Vestry until April 10th, 1793, when it was

Resolved, that a building shall be erected on the
land belonging to the Protestant Episcopal Church
in Philips Town for the purpose of a Free School for-
ever, which house shall be built by Subscription.

Three years later complaint was made to the Vestry
that St. Philip's Chapel "had been lately taken for the
purpose of 'Scholastic Exhibitions' without consent,"
and a reprimand was addressed to Mr. Jacob Lent, the
schoolmaster, in these terms:

Whereas complaint has been entered before the Ves-
try of S. Peters and S. Philips Churches that the
doors of S. Philips Church have been opened without
the consent of the Rector and Vestry for the purpose
of Scholastic exhibitions, which being contrary to the
rules and regulations of the Protestant Episcopal
Churches, (we) have agreed, that for the future,

1 New York Convention Journal, 1839, p. 86.

2 Hobart MSS.

Chapel of St. Philip's in the Highlands %%3

that you do not open the said Church for such like
Exercises without the consent of the Rector and
Vestry.

The said Jacob Lent was a person of considerable im-
portance in the parish. There is a tradition that he was
a college man, and before becoming a schoolmaster was a
surveyor. Born in 1771, he was married to Maria Haws
on the 15th of September, 1794, by the Rev. Silas Con-
stant.1 He resided in the little house attached to the
school, and his salary was fifteen dollars per month.
During the times that the parish was without a clergy-
man, Jacob Lent read the services in both churches. On
April 3rd, 1809, it was

Voted at a Vestry meeting that Jacob Lent be al-
lowed twenty-five dollars for his Services past and
ensuing year — Reading Services in both the Churches.

He lived to a ripe old age and was buried in the church-
yard a few yards from the old schoolhouse. The inscrip-
tion on his gravestone reads,

JACOB LENT

Died February 16th, 1857

Aged 86 years, 1 month and five days.

"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."

For very many years the ground for the school was
leased to the Trustees by the Vestry for a nominal
rental of thirty dollars a year. In the course of time it
was found that the playing of the children in the church-
yard was undesirable, and in 1866 Mr. Frederick Philipse
sold to the Trustees another site and the schoolhouse was
finally removed from the Church property.

1 Journal of the Rev. Silas Constant, p. 245.

224 The History of St. Philip's Church

From a memorandum in the handwriting of Frederick
Philipse it appears that there was no regular meeting of
the Vestry between 1834 and 1836, it being almost im-
possible to secure a quorum. In the later years of the
connection between the two churches he adds, "Accord-
ingly S. Philips had to be supported chiefly by voluntary
contributions and the attention of a few of the Vestry
from Philipstown, near the Church, without official
meetings." Thus informally in 1836 Frederick Philipse
was appointed Clerk and Treasurer, Cornelius Nelson,
Collector, and Lazarus Hopper, Sexton.

These informal arrangements continued until 1840
when St. Philip's in the Highlands became the head of a
parish.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE PARISH OF ST. PHILIP'S IN THE HIGHLANDS.
1840-1911.

TOWARDS the close of the year 1839 formal steps
were taken to dissolve the ecclesiastical connection
between St. Peter's and St. Philip's, and make the
latter an independent parish. The reasons for this have
been already set forth; suffice now to say that the two
churches parted with the utmost goodwill. The glebe
farm was sold and the proceeds divided between the two
parishes, St. Peter's receiving a cash payment of $2,500
and St. Philip's a bond and mortgage for a like amount,
and the way was thus made clear for the creation of an-
other parish.

The minutes of the vestry set forth the separation in
these terms:

April 18th, 1840. On this day, on previous appli-
cation of the Wardens and Vestry of S. Peter's Church
and S. Philip's Chapel, though without a formal
meeting of the Vestry, an Act was passed by the Legis-
lature of the State of New York, authorizing a separa-
tion of the said church and chapel of which the fol-
lowing is a copy :

An Act for the Relief of S. Peter s Church in the
County of Westchester and S. Philip's Chapel in the
County of Putnam. Passed April 18th, 1840.

The People of the State of New York represented
in Senate and Assembly do enact as follows :

226 The History of St. Philip's Church

Section 1. Whenever the legal members of the
religious Corporation called the Corporation of S.
Peter's Church in Peekskill, town of Cortlandt and
County of Westchester and S. Philip's Chapel in the
Highlands, town of Philips Town, County of Dutchess,
now Putnam, respectively residing at or near to the
aforesaid Peekskill and Philipstown shall respec-
tively become Incorporated under the general Act
for the incorporation of Religious Societies in each of
the several said towns, it shall be lawful for the Cor-
poration first named to divide all its real and personal
property and to grant convey and assign severally
into each of the new religious Corporations so created,
such and so much of the real and personal property
now held by the first named Corporation as by agree-
ment between said several Churches shall be adjudged
the just and equitable proportion of the said property
for the support of the Gospel according to the doc-
trines and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church
in each of the said towns on such terms and con-
ditions, and the assumption of such debts and lia-
bilities of the first named Corporation as may be
agreed upon as just and proper.
2. Whenever such division and distribution of said
property shall be made and accepted, the first named
Corporation shall be dissolved, and both the new
Corporations shall be jointly and severally liable to
the extent of the assets they may receive from the
dissolved Corporation for all debts and claims against
the same.

In accordance with the aforesaid notice the members
of the congregation met in the church, and the parish
was incorporated under the name of "The Church
Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Philip's Church in the
Highlands." The certificate of incorporation was re-
corded by the County Clerk on July 24th, approved by
the Bishop of the Diocese, and the new parish was
received into union by the Diocesan Convention.

The first necessary step was the election of Church
Wardens and Vestrymen, which resulted as follows:

Vestrymen.

Parish of St Philip's in the Highlands %%7

Samuel Gouverneur \ Church Wardens<
Harry Garrison

Daniel Haight
Frederick Philipse
John Garrison
Henry C. deRham
Richard D. Arden
Cornelius Nelson
Joshua Nelson
Justus Nelson, 2nd

The Rev. Ebenezer Williams, who was minister in
charge before the incorporation of the Parish, was con-
tinued in that capacity for one year at a salary of $375
per annum. He also ministered to the newly formed
congregation at Cold Spring, but the Vestry declined
to take any responsibility for payment for services
rendered to St. Mary's.

In the same year Mrs. Mary Allen, "late of Tarry-
town," made the Church her residuary legatee; the
amount, $913.36, was invested in the "new Steam Boat
Wharf at Cold Spring/*

At the outset of parochial life the Clergy were engaged
for one year only as ministers in charge. In 1843 this
was departed from and a Rector was elected. Bitter
dissension arose between the Rector and the Vestry.
When these relations were terminated, the Clergy were
again engaged for one year, subject to three months'
notice, and a Rector was not elected until 1854. The
compensation was miserably small. In 1840 it was
fixed at $375, and afterwards reduced to $250, to which
Cold Spring added its quota. In 1852 it was raised to
I, payable quarterly.

228 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

It is interesting to look back seventy years and note the
parochial conditions then existing in the Highlands.
Numerically and financially it was the day of small
things. The congregation was meagre, the people, for
the most part, poor, and the maintenance of the Church
and the minister depended mainly on a few families who
were resident for only a portion of the year.

Through the medium of the yearly reports made to the
Diocesan Convention we can picture accurately the con-
ditions. In 1840 the Rev. Ebenezer Williams reports:

Baptisms Adults 6. Children 22.
Marriages 1 .
Funerals 2 .

Communicants 24.

and adds:

The services of the Church are performed regularly
every Sunday morning. The Rector acknowledges
with gratitude the continuance of the Divine good-
ness to himself and his charge during his residence
here. Some have been added to the Communion
and there is an increased attendance on public wor-
ship, and the spiritual concerns of the parish are in a
most healthy state. Aged men who have not fre-
quented the Church of God from ten to fifteen years
are among our present worshippers. The Holy Eu-
charist has been administered four times.1

In 1841 there are reported 27 communicants, and 30
Sunday School scholars with "efficient teachers," and the
following contributions :

1 New York Convention Journal, 1840.

Parish of St Philip's in the Highlands 229

Education and Domestic Missionary Society 6 . 25

Protestant Episcopal Tract Society 4 . 05

Foreign Missionary 3 . 00

New York Bible and Prayer Book Society 3. 11

This same report of 1841 marks growing activities:

During the last year, in addition to the regular
morning service on Sundays, the Church was opened
at Christmas, Thanksgiving Day, the National Fast
and Good Friday. The Rector has officiated and
preached at two Funerals Eastward of the parish, also
at West Point; visited the sick, baptized two persons,
administered the Holy Eucharist in a sick chamber,
and officiated at the funeral of Lieutenant Breasford.1

The parish started upon its career burdened with a
heavy debt in the shape of a note to an attorney, and
unable to collect the interest upon the mortgage it held on
the glebe farm. How small were the sums derived from
the offerings may be surmised from copies of extant
documents.

The first is the account of the Rev. Ebenezer Williams,
dated July 5th, 1840:

Paid

out for Church.

Offerings.

28th July

For Pole-

July 5th Coll for

Trimmings and

Painting 4 . 75

Making 12.75

12th Sunday Col-

10th Aug

For Spade,

lection 2.18

Pick & Shovel

19th do 1.00

2.00

26th do 2.66

17th "

Sent to Mr

June 14th Sacrament do 7 . 60

Butler for Tract

Aug 2nd do 4.71

Society 6.05

9th Tract Society

Gave a Poor

do 4.05

Woman . 76

1 New York Convention Journal, 1841.

230 The History of St

. Philip9 s Church

Paid out for Church.

Offerings,

7th Sept. For one

16th Sunday Col-

Blind 7.50

lection 4 . 02

Bad money

23rd do 4.15

in Collection . 25

30th do 4.40

Gave a poor

Sept 6th do 2.84

Widow .50

Sept 13th Sunday Col-

Gave a poor

lection 2.07

Man .50

" 20th do 1.30

Two Blinds for

" 27th do 1.31

Church 16.00

Oct. 4th do .67

Rope, Nails

& Twine .80

$47.71

$47.11

Due to the Church . 60

Going to Convention $6 . 00

Wood for Church $1 . 76

The Rev. Robert Shaw's account for the Communion
Alms stands thus :

From October 1st, 1843, to October 1st, 1844, the
following collections were made on the days when the
Communion was administered:

Oct. 1st

1.33

Nov. 5th

3.81

Dec. 25th

3.41

Feby 4th

2.74

March 3rd

1.98

April 7th

2.70

May 26th

2.60

Parish of St Philip's in the Highlands 231

July 7th 2.66

Aug. 11th 2.57

$23.80
Out of the above sum there have been taken :

For the poor of the parish 10 . 13

For Sunday School Books 5 . 67

For the Diocesan Education Society 1 . 00
For washing Surplice and the cloths belonging

to the Communion Table . 37
Given in Charity to a poor person not belonging

to the parish . 50

$17.67

Leaving a balance of $6. 16 in my hands, Oct. 1st, 1844.

The collections were placed at the disposal of the
Rector for charity and "paying expense to Convention
&c," and, in the absence of a Rector, clerical supplies
were paid $5.00 per Sunday. There is no mention
made of pew rents until 1865, and the main income
of the Church was derived from annual subscriptions,
which were gathered in by a collector appointed an-
nually.

Some of these subscription lists are still extant. For
1839 the paper reads:

We, the subscribers, promise to pay to the Treasurer
of St. Philip's Church, the sum set opposite to our
respective names, for the support of such Episcopal
Clergyman as may be called to officiate in St. Philip's
Church and at Cold Spring.

N. B. — Rev. E. Williams first officiated here June
9th, 1839. It is proposed to allow him the whole
amount of subscriptions, as if he had commenced on
1st May.

232 The History of St. Philip's Church

S. Gouverneur

$100.00

H. C. de Rham

50.00

R. P. Parrott

25.00

Harry Garrison
Rich. D. Arden

10.00
10.00

Gouverneur Kemble

50.00

William Kemble

50.00

John Garrison

10.00

John Uhl

10.00

Daniel Haight
Mrs. Rossiter

5.00
5.00

J. Mills Brown

3.00

r E. Foote

15.00

Cold
Spring
Foundry «<
Subscrip-

Peter Henry
Thos. Prince

2.00
3.00

Henry Bartoll
Charles Hazwell
Theodore Foster

5.00
5.00
2.00

tions

Joseph Robertson
Daniel Robertson

2.00
2.00

This list is noteworthy for the reason that it marks
the beginnings of financial support for the new devel-
opment of the Church in the village of Cold Spring.
The subscription for 1840 — the first year of inde-
pendent parochial life — total one hundred and eight
dollars (not including Cold Spring) . The new names
are Cornelius Nelson, Jr., Justus Nelson and
Cornelius Mandeville Nelson.

The Treasurer was required, by resolution of the
Vestry (1842), to keep two books, in one of which the
annual subscriptions were to be entered, and the other
to contain "receipts in full for all monies whatsoever
expended/ ' It was also agreed that the Treasurer
should "be compensated for extra services or disburse-
ments," but no payment has ever been made under this

Parish of St. Philip's in the Highlands 233

head. In 1843 it was resolved "that the Sexton of the
said Church receive $20 per year, payable quarterly, and
that no other compensation be made him, either from
the collections or other funds of the Church for extra
services rendered during inclement seasons."

In the year 1847 a subscription list was circulated for
"roofing and repairing the Church," and the subscribers
were:

The Gouverneur family 40 . 00

Thos.B.Arden 5.00

James Arden 1 . 00

Mrs. DePeyster 5.00

Richard D. Arden 5.00

Mr. DePeyster 1.00

Mr. Bross 1.00

Mr. & Mrs. Moore 30.00

Harry Mead 2.00

Lias Mac Lane 3 . 00

Uncle Justus Nelson 1 . 00

William Hoffman 1.00

Israel Horton 2.00

A. Gouverneur 5.00

John Hopper 1 . 00

John Garrison 10.00

and Mrs. Cornelius M. Nelson contributed the board of
the carpenter.

Between the years 1849-1851 services were held very
irregularly owing to financial conditions, and not at all
during the winter, "in view of the sparseness of the
population." During this period a Mr. W. G. Hayne,
"a gentleman who has recently taken up his residence
in this vicinity," applied for leave to open and use the
church for the purpose of holding a Sunday School.

234 The History of St. Philip's Church

The Vestry replied that if a Sunday School were held in
the Church, it ought, in their judgment, to "be under the
supervision of a Clergyman of the Church," and the
application was declined.

In 1854, Mr. Henry W. Belcher, a member of the
Vestry, offered to give the Church three acres of land
on which to build a Rectory, provided $2,000 were sub-
scribed within two months. A committee was appointed
to build the Rectory from plans drawn by Mr. Richard
Upjohn, and in 1859 they reported its completion at a
cost of $3,197.30. The list of subscriptions is not with-
out historical interest.

William Moore

$500.00

Frederick Philipse

366.67

S. M. W. Gouverneur

250.00

Miss Gouverneur

250.00

Chas. De Rham

100.00

Richard Upjohn

336.67

Dr. Nathaniel Moore

100.00

Henry W. Belcher

233.34

Special Fund per F. Philipse

332.74

Collected by T. B. Arden

157.00

Francis Livingston

20.00

Wm. S. Livingston

20.00

Jas. W. Dominick

100.00

Amos Sackett

25.00

Justus Sackett

25.00

William K. Belcher

50.00

The Rev. E. M. Pecke was the first occupant of the
Rectory.

During this period the parochial organization was
somewhat imperfect, and the appointments of the
church incomplete as witnessed by the following letter

Parish of St Philip's in the Highlands 235

addressed to the Vestry by the Rev. E. M. Pecke, priest
in charge:

Garrisons, N. Y.,
Monday in Easter Week, 1854.
To the Wardens and Vestrymen of the

Church of S. Philip's in the Highlands.
Gentlemen,

Being simply in temporary charge of this Parish1 and
consequently not presiding at your meetings, I take
this method of bringing before you several matters in
which I desire action.

In the first place; By referring to Canon XV of the
Diocese you will see ordered that "In every Parish
of the Diocese provision shall be made for at least
monthly Church offerings, by collection or otherwise,
for Theological education, Diocesan Missions and
other Church objects &c." I am not aware of any
scheme of collections in this Parish, If there be none
I would suggest the following: viz. —
Thanksgiving Day Aged and Infirm Clergy

Christmas

Episcopal Fund

Epiphany

Foreign Missions

Quinquagesima

P. E. Tract Society

Easter

General Theological Seminary

May

Theological Education Fund

Whitsunday

Bible & Common Prayer Book

Society

July

Missionary Committee of the

Diocese

August

S. S. Union & Church Book

Society

September

Parish Purposes

October

Parish Sunday School

In the second place, By referring to Canon VII of

the Diocese it will be

seen that it is the duty of the

1 Mr. Pecke was formally elected Rector a little later.

236 The History of St. Philip's Church

Vestry of each church to provide a book which shall
be the Parish Register, and in which all the particu-
lars of every infant and adult Baptism, Marriage,
Burial & Confirmation, and an accurate list of all the
Communicants shall be entered. The book which has
been given to me as the Parish Register commenced
by the previous incumbent is a simple blank book
entirely unsuitable to the designed end, and the
records in it are merely memoranda, deficient in
names dates &c. I would suggest a speedy compli-
ance with the Canon literally, by the purchase of a
book made for the purpose, that the entries here-
after may be accurate and correct. Such a book may
be purchased at Stanford & Sword's Book-store, 637
Broadway, New York.

There are some things about the Church building
which might and could be improved. For instance a
bell is much needed. If the Vestry will authorize
the erection of a bell-cote I will endeavor to procure
a bell as a gift. The Church is without a Font.
This ought not to be. It is almost useless to speak
from the pulpit to the worldly and negligent of the
importance of Christian Baptism when our practice
shows that we do not deem it of sufficient impor-
tance to provide the necessaries for its proper admin-
istration even though the Church has ordered it.

Again in regard to the Bible in use in the church.
It has not the Apocrypha. We do not of course hold
to the duty of reverencing alike the Apocryphal and
Canonical Books of Scripture; but inasmuch as the
Church has in her Calendar appointed portions of the
Apocrypha to be read as Lessons at the time of public
worship, it is clearly the duty of every Parish to pro-
vide such a Bible as contains the Apocrypha.

Again there cannot be a rubrical celebration of the
Holy Communion in the present arrangement of
Chancel furniture. There must be what is called a

Parish of St. Philip's in the Highlands 237

Credence table, that is, a table on which the elements
remain until the time when the Rubric orders "The
Priest shall then place upon the Table so much Bread
and Wine as he shall think sufficient." The Clergy-
have made a solemn vow that they will obey the Rub-
rics and other laws of the Church. It is not right
that they should be compelled to break such vows by
the want of what the Parish should provide. More-
over the present Communion table is so low and so
small that it is very uncomfortable for any one, even
the shortest person, to officiate at it. It is, too, so
close to the rail that the Clergy cannot easily pass
between. If the table were made larger, there would
be no passage at all.

Desirous of making the arrangement more proper
and comfortable, I propose to remove the present pul-
pit and desk; and of the material to make a larger and
more convenient Communion table placed against the
wall on a platform raised one step above the Chancel
floor and a Credence table placed on one side. I
would also put in a handsome Lectern from which the
lessons could be read and sermons preached. This
work I propose to do with my own hands and at my
own expense, counting it an honor and a privilege to
be allowed to labour for the Lord in the meanest
occupation. I am satisfied that every one would con-
sider the appearance of the church improved by the
alteration, inasmuch as there would be apparently five
feet added to the length of the church. The comfort
to the Minister officiating would be very much greater
than now; and to the people, it would be not a little,
since at present to look at the preacher during sermon
necessitates a very uncomfortable elevation of the
eyes. I have examined the work carefully and
have made calculations for every particular, so that
I speak with knowledge when I say that it can be
easily done, and at no greater expence than my own

238 The History of St. Philip' s Church

labour which will be most readily and Cheerfully
given. A few days would finish the work when begun.
I ask the action of the Vestry on these matters and
remain

Gentlemen
Your very humble Minister
and servant in Christ,
E. M. Pecke
April 17, 1854.

This lengthy and logical letter is of more than ordinary
interest and value. It affords a glimpse of the appear-
ance of the old frame church in the middle of the nine-
teenth century — a church without a baptismal font, an
altar and a bell and with an old-fashioned lofty pulpit
fronted with a desk and a low Communion table. These
arrangements speak eloquently of the type of Church-
manship prevailing in the eighteenth century, when the
church was first built, and continuing for nearly a hundred
years.

Mr. Pecke's requests are significant of a changing
spirit, and of a new order of Churchmanship. One of
the results of the Oxford Movement in England was a
revolution in church architecture and a re-arrangement
of the interior of the older churches so as to make reverent
worship possible, which was precisely the plea so force-
fully urged for the alterations of St. Philip's.

Such a change came in America as well as England, but
it did not come without stress and conflict. It was
hardly to be expected, therefore, that such radical
alterations in the chancel arrangements in St. Philip's
could be carried out as quickly as Mr. Pecke hoped.
What the Vestry did was to remit the questions and pro-
posals to the standing committee, which consisted of

Parish of St. Philip's in the Highlands 239

Frederick Philipse, John Garrison and Richard Upjohn.
The committee reported on August 8th, and authorized
the placing of a credence table, font, and made provision
for a bell and a Parish register. They demurred to the
canonical collections on the ground that "in small
parishes like ours with a church requiring much repair,
without a Rectory and affording but a small salary for
their Rector & having moreover monthly celebrations
of the Holy Communion & regular collections thereat it
would seem that such collections would be held a suffi-
cient compliance with the Canon." They were not
willing to change the Bible nor to remove the pulpit and
desk, though Mr. Upjohn dissented from the latter
decision.

The dawning of the year 1860 found the Parish peace-
ful and prosperous. The initial difficulties of organiza-
tion had been successfully overcome; the frequent
changes of Clergy had ceased; and the Rector was
housed in a valuable property owned by the Parish.

Times were prosperous and the moment had come for a
marked material and spiritual advance. With the
opportunity came the man. The resignation of the
Rev. Dr. Clap in 1860 made a vacancy in the rectorship
which was filled by the calling of the Rev. Charles
Frederick Hoffman, who entered into residence on May
1st, 1860. The immediate task for the Rector was the
erection of a new church. For ninety years St. Philip's
Chapel had served the community, but with the advent
of new families the plain pre-Revolutionary structure
became unsuitable and inadequate. In 1855 it had
been reported to the Diocesan Convention that "the
Church is very much out of repair and very uncom-

240 The History of St. Philip's Church

fortable; a new one is greatly needed."1 Two years
later the Vestry considered plans and estimates for the
alteration of the old Church, but in 1860 it was resolved
to arise and build.

The parish was fortunate in having upon the Vestry
Richard Upjohn, "the Elder," the distinguished architect
of Trinity Church in the city of New York, and who drew
the plans for the new St. Philip's in the Highlands with-
out fee or reward. At a Vestry meeting held on January
8th, 1861, the plans and specifications were submitted.
The estimated cost of the building was $9,350; or without
the tower, $7,975. On the motion of Mr. William Moore,
seconded by Judge John Garrison, it was resolved to un-
dertake the erection of the church" provided subscriptions
for the necessary sum can be obtained — and that the
members of the Vestry shall in the meantime exert
themselves to obtain subscriptions for the additional sum
requisite to add the Tower on the original plan." The
contractor was Sylvanus Ferris, and the building com-
mittee consisted of the Rev. Charles Frederick Hoffman,
William Moore and Henry W. Belcher; early in 1862 the
name of the Hon. Hamilton Fish was added.

There lies before the writer now the original list of
subscribers. It contains the names of men, for the
most part, long associated with the fortunes of the parish
— William Moore, Nathaniel F. Moore, Charles de Rham,
Richard D. Arden, Frederick Philipse, the Gouverneur
Brothers, William and Francis Livingston, Henry W.
Belcher and Thomas B. Arden; also the names of newer
residents like William Henry Osborn.

1 N. Y. Convention Journal, 1855.

Parish of St. Philip's in the Highlands 241

The following is a list of the subscriptions, all of which
were conditional on the church being completed free of
debt:

William Moore i

$2150.00

Peter Brosse

$10.00

H. C. de Rham

1250.00

Miss Arden

10.00

Fredk Philipse )

Richard Hopper

10.00

S.M.W.Gouverneur ?

1000.00

John Hopper

10.00

Gouverneur )

Thos. H. Austin

10.00

Nathnl. F. Moore

600.00

James Hopper

10.00

Govr Fish

472.00

T. A. von Kesners

50.00

Chas. de Rham

250.00

Margaret Wilson

1.00

Henry W. Belcher

1000.00

Mr & Mrs Acres

5.00

Wm. S. Livingston

300.00

G. Gifford

5.00

Francis S. Livingston

250.00

Saml Austin

5.00

Chas. de Rham

250.00

James Weller

5.00

Eugene Dutilh

250.00

W. M. Vail

5.00

L. L. Livingston

120.00

Jesse Austin

3.00

Susan M. Dutilh

100.00

Justice Austin.

3.00

J. A. Voiscin

100.00

Matthias Turner

3.00

Chas. Dutilh

50.00

Ann Wilson

2.00

J. A. Van Hancet

50.00

Nelson Devoe

1.00

Mr. Taylor

50.00

Hiram Van Tassel

1.00

W. H. Osborn

250.00

Thomas B. Brien

1.00

J. Sherwood

100.00

John Hopper jr

1.00

Mrs. C. F. Hoffman

50.00

Josiah Gilbert

1.00

Dr and Mrs. Hodges

100.00

Chas Turner

1.00

Thos. B. Arden

50.00

James H. Mead

1.00

Rev. C. F. Hoffman

33.33

Fanny Wilson

1.00

Wm. H. Denning

100.00

Benj. Wilson

1.00

Rich. Arden

100.00

Chas. Wilson

1.00

Miss de Rham

25.00

Richard Hayes

1.00

Mrs. Laight

100.00

Thomas Hayes

1.00

Mr Cromwell

25.00

Robt. Powell

3.00

G. F. & W. D. Garrison 10 . 00

M. Shelley

.25

Danl Hopper

10.00

242 The History of St. Philip's Church

In addition to these gifts of money John Garrison con-
tributed one hundred dollars in "sand and teaming,"
and George Garrison "dockage" to the value of twenty-
five dollars, Benjamin Devoe gave six and George Booth
five dollars in labor. The offering at the laying of the
corner-stone was $19.25, and at the consecration of the
church $43.72. Mrs. Upjohn presented a window; Dr.
and Mrs. Hodges a musical instrument and the Rector
and his friends the Chancel furniture. The extra money
for the erection of the tower was secured largely through
the efforts of Mr. Belcher. After the consecration of the
church additional donations were contributed as follows :

Wm. Moore $500 . 00 Henry W. Belcher $100 . 00

H. C. de Rham 500.00 Dr. N. F. Moore 100.00

The Gouverneurs 250.00 W.S.Livingston 50.00

Hamilton Fish 200 . 00 Geo. Arden 25 . 00

The new church occupied the site of the old chapel,
and the latter building was removed a little to the north
at a cost of sixty dollars, and temporarily used for ser-
vices. It was also found necessary to transfer several
bodies to make way for the larger building, and this was
reverently accomplished under the direction of the Vestry.

On the 1st day of May, 1861, being the Feast of St.
Philip and St. James, the corner stone of the new edifice
was laid, with appropriate ceremony, by Bishop Horatio
Potter, who reports to the Diocesan Convention:

In St. Philips in the Highlands I preached, con-
firmed 16 and addressed them, having previous to the
A. M. service laid the corner stone of a new edifice to
be erected for S. Philip's.1

1 N. Y. Convention Journal, 1861.

Parish of St. Philip's in the Highlands 243

Exactly one year later, on Thursday, May 1st, 1862,
the new Church of St. Philip's in the Highlands was
solemnly consecrated to the service and worship of
Almighty God by the Bishop of New York. Six per-
sons were confirmed on that historic occasion, and the
sermon was preached by the Very Reverend Eugene
A. Hoffman, sometime Dean of the General Theological
Seminary.

The following "Instrument of Donation" was adopted
by the Vestry and presented to the Bishop :

We, the Rector, Church Wardens and Vestrymen
of S. Philips Church in the Highlands, in Philipstown,
County of Putnam, State of New York, having by the
good Providence of God erected in the said town a
house of public worship, do hereby appropriate and
devote the same to the worship and service of God,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, according
to the provisions of the Protestant Episcopal Church
of the United States of America, in its Ministry,
Doctrines, Liturgy, Rites and Usages, and by a con-
gregation in communion with said Church, and in
union with the Convention hereof in the Diocese of
New York.

And we do also hereby request the Right Reverend
Horatio Potter, D.D., D.C.L., Oxon. Bishop of the
said Diocese, to take the said Building under his spir-
itual jurisdiction as Bishop aforesaid, and that of his
successors in office, and to Consecrate the same by the
name of S. Philip's Church in the Highlands, and
thereby separate it from all unhallowed, worldly and
common uses, and solemnly dedicate it to the holy
purposes above mentioned.

And we do moreover hereby relinquish all claim to
any right of disposing of said building or allowing of
the use of it in any way inconsistent with the terms

244 The History of St. Philip's Church

and true meaning of this Instrument of Donation, and
with the Consecration hereby requested of the Bishop
of the Diocese.

In testimony whereof, we the said Rector, Church-
Wardens and Vestrymen have caused this Instrument
of Donation to have attached to it the Seal of our
Corporation, and the signatures of the Presiding
Officer and Clerk of a meeting duly convened on this
the first day of May, in the year of our Lord, one
thousand, eight hundred and sixty-two, being the
Feast of S. Philip and S. James.

Chas. Fredk Hoffman,

Rector Presiding.

Frederick Philipse,

Clerk of the Vestry.

The certificate of consecration which hangs in the
vestry of the church reads as follows:

IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN.

Whereas the Church- Wardens and Vestrymen of
the Parish of Saint Philip's Church in the Highlands,
Philipstown, in the County of Putnam, State of New
York, have, by an Instrument this day presented to
me, appropriated and devoted a house of public wor-
ship erected by them in the said Philipstown to the
worship and service of Almighty God, the Father,
the Son and the Holy Ghost according to the provisions
of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United
States of America, in Ministry, Doctrines, Liturgy,
Rites and Usages; and by a congregation in union
with said Church, and in union with the Convention
thereof in the Diocese of New York;

And Whereas the said Rector, Church- Wardens
and Vestrymen have, by the same Instrument, re-
quested me to take this said house of worship under
my spiritual jurisdiction as Bishop of the Diocese of

Bishop of New York, 1854-18.57

Parish of St. Philip's in the Highlands 245

New York, and that of my successors in office, and
consecrate it by the name of

SAINT PHILIP'S IN THE HIGHLANDS
and hereby separate it from all unhallowed, worldly
and common uses, and solemnly dedicate it to the holy
purposes above mentioned.

NOW THEREFORE, know all men by these
Presents, that I, HORATIO POTTER, D.D., by
Divine permission Bishop of the Diocese of New
York, acting under the protection of ALMIGHTY
GOD, have on this first day of May, being the FEAST
OF S. PHILIP AND S. JAMES, in the year of our
LORD one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two,
taken the above mentioned house of worship under
my spiritual jurisdiction as BISHOP aforesaid, and
that of my successors in office; and in presence of
divers of the Clergy, and a public congregation therein
assembled, and according to the form prescribed by
the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States
of America, have CONSECRATED the same by the
name of SAINT PHILIP'S CHURCH IN THE
HIGHLANDS.

AND I DO HEREBY pronounce and declare that
the said SAINT PHILIP'S CHURCH IN THE
HIGHLANDS is CONSECRATED accordingly, and
thereby separated thenceforth from all unhallowed,
worldly and common uses, and DEDICATED to
the worship of ALMIGHTY GOD, the FATHER,
the SON and the HOLY GHOST, for reading and
preaching His Holy Word, for celebrating His Holy
Sacraments, for offering to His Glorious Majesty the
Sacrifices of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving, for
blessing His people in His name and for the perfor-
mance of all other Holy Offices, agreeably to the
terms of the Covenant of Grace and Salvation in our
LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, and accord-

246 The History of St. Philip's Church

ing to the provisions of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the United States of America, in its
Ministry, Doctrines, Rites and Usages.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto
affixed my Seal and Signature in PHILIPSTOWN on
the day and in the year above written, and in the
eighth year of my consecration.

Horatio Potter,

Bishop of New York.

The frame building used as the former church was
removed to Highland (now Manitou), and re-erected as
the Chapel of St. James, the corner-stone being laid on
the Feast of St. Philip and St. James, May 1st, 1863.
In 1868 Mrs. Henry W. Belcher presented to the church
a bell, which was duly hung in the tower. It bears the
inscription :

Oh, ye Bells of the Lord,

Bless ye the Lord.

Praise Him and magnify Him for Ever.

The years from 1862 until the present have witnessed
steady spiritual growth and material enrichment. With
the new church the parish entered upon a new era. In
1864 much care and money were expended upon laying
out the grounds of the church under the direction of S.
M. Warburton Gouverneur, and two years later the
school-house was finally removed from the church
property.

The centenary of the church was celebrated in 1871.
"On September 21st we celebrated the Centenary of our
existence."1 The sermon was preached by Mr. Hoffman
and was published by the request of the Vestry.

1 N. Y. Convention Journal, 1871.

INTERIOR OF ST. PHILIPS CHURCH IN THE HIGHLANDS

Parish of St. Philip's in the Highlands 247

In 1875 extensive repairs to the rectory were carried
out at a cost of over $8,000, of which the Rector, the
Rev. A. Z. Gray, contributed one fourth.

Eight years later the late Mr. Hamilton Fish built the
handsome and substantial stone wall around the church
grounds as a thank offering for the preservation of his
wife in a serious accident. The following year the
church was re-decorated at a cost of $1,200.

In 1895 the late John M. and Mrs. Toucey presented
to the church a two-manual organ, which bears this
inscription:

Erected to the Glory of God

and in filial devotion to the memory of

Harriet Toucey and Emeline Butler-Atwater.

The gift of John M. and Mary Butler Toucey.

At the same time they provided an Endowment of
$5,000 for its maintenance. Advantage was taken of the
necessary alterations to lay a Mosaic floor in the nave
and transepts, which was carried out under the direction
of the late Mr. Samuel Sloan. In the year 1903 the
sum of $7,585 was raised by subscription as an addition
to the Endowment fund of the parish.

For very many years the parish was without a suitable
building for Sunday School and other parochial pur-
poses. In 1890 a committee of the Vestry was appointed
to consider the question of accommodation for the Sun-
day School, but the response was not deemed sufficient
to justify further steps. Matters so remained until 1895,
when a parish house was erected by the late Mrs. J. M.
Toucey, and her son, Donald Toucey, as a memorial to
her husband who was for several years a member of the
Vestry and treasurer of the parish.

248 The History of St. Philip's Church

Home missionary work has always filled a large place
in the history of the parish. As early as 1835 services
were conducted in Cold Spring by the Rev. Charles
Luck and continued by the Revs. Henry L. Storrs,
Ebenezer Williams and Robert Shaw. They resulted in
the building of St. Mary's in the Highlands, and the for-
mation of an independent parish. The Rev. Charles
Frederick Hoffman reports to the Diocesan Convention
of 1860:

Mission services have been held since August at a
settlement two or three miles south of this parish,
and a Sunday School has been organized. Services
are held there every Sunday by myself, between the
two regular services held in the parish Church, and the
children are catechised every Sunday. The room in
which we worship was lent to us by the owner, and
has been fitted up for a Chapel, with an appropriate
altar, font, lectern platform, temporary vestry-room,
and a Sunday School Library.1

This interesting report marks the beginnings of the
mission work carried on at Highlands (now Manitou)
unbrokenly by the parish for nearly fifty years. When
the old church was pulled down, the Vestry placed the
materials at the disposal of the Rector, who rebuilt it at
Manitou. The land was given by Mr. W. H. Denning of
Fishkill. It was appropriately called St. James' Chapel.
In 1868 a bell was hung in the tower, and in 1870 Mr.
Hoffman chronicles the gift of a "massive altar, and a
silver Chalice and Patten."2 In inlaid wood there ap-
pears upon the center of the altar a pierced heart, and on

1 New York Convention Journal, 1860.

2 New York Convention Journal, 1870.

Parish of St Philip's in the Highlands 249

the corners the nail-pierced hands and feet of the
Saviour. The first Celebration of the Holy Communion
at the chapel was on the Sunday after Easter, 1870.

The Rev. Albert Zabriskie Gray faithfully maintained
and extended the missionary work of the parish. In
addition to officiating at St. Philip's and St. James'
Chapel, he carried on services at the Chemical Works
on the border of Westchester County.

Mr. Gray then turned his attention to a spiritually
destitute locality in the southeastern portion of the
parish and established a Sunday School and held regular
services in a small school-house. The people so readily
responded to his efforts that the building of a Mission
Chapel was projected. Land for this purpose was deeded
by the late Erastus Mowatt, and in 1878 or 1879 the
Chapel of St. John's in the Wilderness was erected. The
cost was met by the contributions of sympathetic church
people in the parish, aided by a few friends in New
York. At the visitation of the Bishop in 1880 seven can-
didates from St. John's were presented for Confirmation.

In 1908 the construction of the New York City Aque-
duct brought into an outlying part of the parish a large
number of workmen, mainly Italians and negroes, for
whose religious welfare no provision had been made.
The Rector, the Rev. E. Clowes Chorley, held weekly
services for the men in a saloon — the only available place.
By the voluntary gifts of a few friends of the parish,
St. Philip's Hall was erected. It was dedicated on
October 9th, 1908, at a service conducted by the Rev.
Frederick Van Kleeck, D.D., Archdeacon of West-
chester, and is opened during the week as a club room
for the men.

250 The History of St. Philip's Church

The latest addition to the property of the parish is a
new rectory. With the lapse of time the frame building
which was the home of the rectors for fifty-four years
became unsuitable for the purpose. Knowing this, the
widow and children of the late Samuel Sloan, for many
years a Vestryman and Warden of the parish, expressed
their desire to build a new rectory in memory of Mr.
Sloan. At the service held on Christmas Day, 1910 —
Mr. Sloan's birthday — the Rector read the following
letter written by Mrs. Sloan in her ninetieth year.

7 East 38th St., New York.

December 22, 1910.
My Dear Mr. Chorley: —

I and my children desire to do something for the
church we have attended so long and have cherished
with so much affection and have chosen as our resting
place, and suggest building a new rectory on a new site
in the church grounds. We all unite together, includ-
ing my daughter Margaret's children and my son
William's children, all feeling the most tender affec-
tion and interest in adding to the comfort of the
neighborhood, and we do this as a memorial to the
father and grandfather knowing his interest in its
welfare. We hope it will be a gratification to our
associates with whom we have lived so long. Hoping
our dear Mr. Chorley may have the benefit with
warm affection.

I speak for the family as mother and grandmother.
I cheerfully approve all this subject to the approval
of the Vestry of St, Philip's Church.

Yours very sincerely,

Margaret E. Sloan.

At a meeting of the Vestry, held in New York, Decem-
ber 30th, 1910, the following resolutions were passed:

&1 : to-

1^??

r-l O

■**&
*■<*

Parish of St. Philip's in the Highlands 251

The Rector having reported the receipt of a letter
under the date of Dec. 22, 1910, from Mrs. Sloan,
expressing the desire on the part of herself and family
to build a rectory on a new site in the church grounds
as a memorial to her late husband, the Hon. Samuel
Sloan, be it resolved:

1st, that the Vestry, in meeting assembled, expresses
its heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Sloan and family for her
most generous offer, and gratefully accepts the gift
as a memorial to one who, in his long association as
Vestryman and Warden, gained the affection and es-
teem of all the members of the parish.

2nd, that a committee of the Vestry be appointed
to confer with Mrs. Sloan's representatives as to the
carrying out of the proposal.

(Signed) E. Clowes Chorley, rector.
Wm. M. Benjamin, Clerk.

Messrs. Charles de Rham, Stuyvesant Fish, Wm. M.
Benjamin and the Rector were appointed on the com-
mittee.

The site selected was in front of the old building and at
8.30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 29th, 1911, the corner
stone was laid by the Rector in the name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Ghost. By an undesigned but
happy coincidence the completed building was handed
over on the anniversary of Mr. Sloan's death, Sep-
tember 22nd.

On the porch of the house a bronze tablet has been
fixed having this inscription :

In Memory of

SAMUEL SLOAN

Dec. xxv, MDCCCXVII— Sept. xxii, MCMVII

Erected By His Family

A.D.MCMXI

252 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

In the Rector's study there has been placed a chair and
a desk made out of the beams of the old Glebe farm house,
and on the terrace there stands a sun dial the stone of
which comes from the Glebe and from the quarry which
supplied the stone for the Cathedral of St. John the
Divine, New York. It is thus inscribed:

GLEBE.

RECTORY.

1770.

1911.

John Doty

E. C. Chorley

Rector.

MEMORIALS AND BENEFACTIONS.

The interior of the church is enriched by many beauti-
ful memorials perpetuating the memory of those who
loved and served the parish. The following is a list of
such memorials and benefactions so far as they can now
be ascertained:

1770 . One acre of land for church and grounds given
by Colonel Beverly Robinson, to which was
added about 1790 another acre of land by
William Denning.

1772 . Farm of two hundred acres to St. Peter's and
St. Philip's; the gift of Colonel Beverly
Robinson.

1840 . Legacy of the late Mrs. Mary Allen— $913.36.

1853 . Three acres of land for rectory purposes by
Henry W. Belcher.

1862. The font by Mrs. William Moore.

The sanctuary furniture presented by the
Rev. Charles Frederick Hoffman and friends.

Parish of St Philip's in the Highlands 253

1868. The church bell by Mrs. Henry W. Belcher.

1873 . Additional land for the churchyard by Fred-
erick Philipse.

1877. The altar cross — "In Memoriam : Helen
Arden."

1883. Legacy of $500 by Mrs. Richard Upjohn.
The income to be paid to the Rector for mis-
sionary work within the parish.

1883 . Boundary wall of the churchyard by the Hon.
Hamilton Fish, LL.D.

Three sets of altar and pulpit hangings by
the Rev. Walter Thompson, S. T. D.

1892. Candelabra— "To the Glory of God and in
memory of Emma Louise Garrison. Entered
into Eternal Life, June 29th, 1891."
Lectern Bible — In Memoriam Eliza King
Belcher.

1894. The white altar and pulpit hangings, altar
rail and service books. "To the Glory of God
and in dear memory of Hamilton and Julia
Kean Fish by their children."

1895 . The organ and endowment of $5,000. "Erect-
ed to the Glory of God, and in filial devotion
to the memory of Harriet Toucey and Erne-
line Butler- Atwater." The gift of John M.
and Mary Butler Toucey.

1898. Silver alms bason. "In Memory of Edward
Pierrepont. Born 1859. Died 1885. Given
by his mother."

1898. Silver alms plates. "In Memory of Julia
Antoinette de Rham. Born 1820. Died
1894, and Henry Casimir de Rham. Born
1785. Died 1878."

254 The History of St. Philip's Church

1901 . The parish house. "In Loving Memory of
John M. Toucey this Parish House is given
by his wife and son to S. Philip's Church in
the Highlands. 1901."

1907. Additional land for the churchyard given by
the Misses Philipse.

1909. Silver Communion service. "In Memory of
Laura Frederica de Rham, 1899 and Laura
de Rham, 1906." The gift of Mr. and Mrs.
Charles de Rham.

1910 . White stone altar. "To the Glory of God and
Sacred to the memory of Virginia Read
Sturges Osborn, 1830-1902." The gift of
Mrs. H. Fairfield Osborn.

1910. Six Thousand dollars as an endowment for
St. James' Chapel to be known as "The
Charles de Rham Memorial Fund." The
gift of Charles and Henry Casimir de Rham.

1910. Peal of bells given by William Massena,
Hamilton Fish and Julian Arnold Benjamin.
"In Loving Memory of their mother, Julia
Kean Benjamin."

1911. Rectory — Memorial of the Hon. Samuel
Sloan, the gift of his widow and children.

MONUMENTAL BRASSES.

In Memory of

Edwards Pierrepont, LL.D., D.C.L. Oxon.,

Attorney General of the United States.

Minister to the Court of S. James.

A Learned Jurist.

A Patriotic Citizen.

A Humble Follower of Christ.

His Life was Noble.

His Memory is Revered.

1813-1892.

VIRGINIA STURGES OSBORN MEMORIAL ALTAR
1910

Parish of St Philip's in the Highlands %55

In Memory of

Hamilton Fish, LL.D.

Governor: U. S. Senator: U. S. Secretary of State.

A Revered Citizen: An Eminent Statesman.

A Devout Christian.

He adorned every position to which he

was called.

For Thirty Years Warden and Vestryman

of This Parish.

Born in New York. Died at Garrison.

To the Glory
And in Loving
Julia
1816
The Path of the Just

of God
Memory of
Kean Fish
1887.
s as The Shining Light

Which Shineth More and More Unto The Perfect Day.
This Tablet is Erected by Parishioners of S. Philip's
Church in the Highlands to Commemorate the Life of
One Who Walked with God.

MEMORIAL WINDOWS.

The three memorial windows in the chancel are the
gift of the Misses Philipse

To the Memory of

The Gouverneur and Philipse Families

Adolphus Nathaniel Gouverneur

Samuel M. Warburton Gouverneur

Frederick Philipse

Margaret Philipse Moore

Mary Marston Gouverneur.

In the northern transept the two-light window is

To the Memory of
L. A. De Peyster.

256 The History of St. Philip's Church

and the window by the organ is

To the Memory of

Hamilton Fish Rogers

Born March 16th, 1879. Died April 21st, 1885.

and

Violet Mabel Rogers

Born March 7th 1883. Died January 31st, 1885.

In the west end of the church the window enshrines the
memory of

Edwin and Emma,
Infant children of R. and E. Upjohn.

In the nave

Mary Perkins Thompson
Born March 16th, 1879,
Died April 21st, 1885.

Edith Northcote,
December 18th, 1887.

Elizabeth Stuyvesant d'Hauteville,
Born March 11th, 1839,
Died March 1st, 1864.

Virginia Sturges Osborn,

Aged 20. May 1875

and

Frederick Sturges Osborn

Aged 16. July 1875.

Ph
<<

>^
W

CHAPTER IX.

ST. PHILIP'S IN THE HIGHLANDS.
THE RECTORS.

1840-1911.

DURING the later years of the united Parish it
became impossible to secure adequate attend-
ance at the meetings of the Vestry, and Mr.
Frederick Philipse notes that "S. Philip's Church was
supported chiefly by the voluntary contributions and
attention of a few of the Vestry from Philipstown, near
the Church, without official meetings."

From 1836 till 1840 a separate clergyman ministered
at St. Philip's, the first being the Rev. F. Peake, who
came in June, 1836. Mr. Peake formed a congregation
at Cold Spring, but after two months' service he was
recalled by the Bishop of Missouri. His remuneration,
paid by Mr. Samuel Gouverneur, was one hundred dol-
lars.

Rev. Henry Lemuel Storrs, M. A., was engaged on
October 1st, 1836, in the same informal manner, until
April 1st, 1837, at a stipend of $500 per annum, and was
re-engaged on the latter date. During his ministry St.
Philip's was consecrated by Bishop Onderdonk, and Mr.
Storrs was ordained Priest at the same service.

Mr. Storrs was the eldest son of the Hon. Henry
Randolph Storrs, a distinguished member of the New
York Bar and of the Legislature. He was born on July

258 The History of St. Philip's Church

1st, 1811, at Whites Town, in the County of Oneida, and
attended Hamilton and Union Colleges, graduating from
the latter. During a residence in Utica, he came under
the influence of the Rev. Dr. Henry Anthon, and under
his direction, became a communicant of the Church, and
a candidate for the ministry. On the completion of his
course at the General Theological Seminary, he was ad-
mitted to Holy Orders, and his first charge was St.
Philip's. Here he married Elizabeth, eldest daughter of
Leonard Kip of New York; she was confirmed in St.
Philip's Church in 1837.

After serving Garrison for about two years he officiated
for a little while at Yonkers, and then accepted the rec-
torship of St. Stephen's, New Hartford. Three years
later he became Rector of St. John's Church, Yonkers,
and there remained for eleven years.

The Protestant Churchman said of Mr. Storrs' work
at St. John's, "the strength of the parish was doubled;
the communicants had largely increased in number;
jarring opinions and feelings were harmonized through
the discreet and faithful assiduity of the rector; in
his vineyard, he realized all that a servant of God could
have a right to seek for himself, of pastoral peace and
pleasantness."

He died on Sunday, May 16th, 1852, and is buried in
the parochial cemetery at Yonkers. A tablet to his
memory is on the walls of St. John's Church.

The Rev. Edward C. Bull of Massachusetts was
called "for S. Philips and S. Mary's, Cold Spring" on
June 1st, 1838, and remained for one year. In 1841
he officiated at Brookfield, Connecticut, and from 1847
to 1859 he was Rector of Christ Church, Rye. During

Rector, 183"

Rectors of St. Philip's in the Highlands 259

his rectorship of the latter parish the old wooden church
built in 1788 was replaced by a stone building which was
consecrated on March 15th, 1855, by Bishop Wainwright.

Mr. Bull was succeeded by the Rev. Ebenezer Williams,
who was ordained Priest in St. Philip's Church by Bishop
Onderdonk, and had served as missionary at Hoosick
Falls, and as chaplain at Sing Sing Prison before coming
into the Highlands. When the parish was incorporated
he was, on July 21st, 1840, called as "officiating clergy-
man" for one year at a salary of $375 per annum, the
Vestry expressly stipulating that it would not be respon-
sible for any further sum on account of his services at
Cold Spring.

In 1843 Mr. Williams was elected first Rector of the
Parish in accordance with the following Minute:

Resolved — That we Harry Garrison, Senior War-
den, John Garrison, Richd D. Arden, Peter Bross,
George Haight, Thos. B. Arden, Vestry men, do appoint
the Rev. Ebenezer Williams to the Rectorship of the
Parish of S. Philips.

He was "duly introduced into the Church of S. Philips
by Harry Garrison Esq. Senior Warden, and the key of
the said Church placed in his possession." Compensa-
tion was fixed at $375 per annum, payable quarterly,
"until the officers of the Church may order otherwise."
It was intimated that when a parsonage was provided,
"a corresponding deduction would be made from the

260 The History of St. Philip's Church

salary of the Minister of the parish." Mr. Williams
lived at Brook Cottage and to eke out the scanty stipend
his wife kept a select school. This rectorship was marked
by the only serious dissension that has ever arisen in the
history of the parish. Bishop Onderdonk acted as peace-
maker, and on June 30th, 1843, Mr. Williams resigned.

Whilst rector of St. Philip's Mr. Williams suffered
the loss of his wife and she is buried in the churchyard.
After leaving Garrison he volunteered for missionary ser-
vice in the Far West. At that time the West and the
greater part of the South were divided into two immense
missionary districts, and Bishop Jackson Kemper had
charge of the former. His territory included the states
of Wisconsin, Indiana and Missouri, and also the lands
out of which were subsequently erected Minnesota, Iowa,
Nebraska and Kansas.1 Mr. Williams was appointed
to Racine, Wisconsin. There was no church building,
and the people were too poor to build one. The rector
was sent to England to gather funds. After building the
church he was transferred to Mineral Point, where he
erected another church. His last parish was Montford,
where he labored until 1870, when he retired from the
active ministry. The closing years of his life were spent
in the home of his son at Ogden, Iowa, where he died on
December 10th, 1878, in the seventy-seventh year of his
age. He was buried in the Glenwood Cemetery.

In August of 1843 "the Rev. Robert Shaw, having offi-
ciated in the Church on Sunday, the 13th instant, at the
invitation of the Wardens and Vestry, it was resolved
that the Clerk of the Vestry tender a call to Mr. Shaw

1 History of the Diocese of Minnesota by the Rev. Dr. Tanner, p. 1.

c^c^q^>

Rector, 1830-1843

Rectors of St. Philip's in the Highlands 261

to the said Church until the first of May next with a sal-
ary at the rate of $300 per annum."1 Mr. Shaw "con-
cluded to accept" the call. For several years he had been
a Presbyterian minister, and in 1832 was ordained Priest
by Bishop Onderdonk in St. Mark's Church, Hunt's
Hollow. In 1846, "in view of the low state of the funds
of this Church" the Vestry regretted their inability "to
increase the salary beyond the amount of $250 dollars
per annum," and at the same time they requested "that
he report to them the present condition of the Sunday
School."

^^^fe^^^

The arrangement by which the Minister divided his
time between Garrison and Cold Spring was conducive
to a rivalry, which was accentuated in 1846 by Mr.
Shaw's removal of his residence to the latter place. The
Vestry thereupon requested him "to furnish his weekly
selection of Psalms and Hymns, for each succeeding
Sunday's service, to the Clerk of this Church — if possible
on the previous Sunday — or else, by the Thursday even-
ing preceding through the Cold Spring Post Office." In
1847 a curt resolution that "the attention of the Rev.
Robert Shaw be called to his parochial duties" was only
lost by a small majority, but the Standing Committee
was empowered "to confer with Mr. Shaw as they may

1 The other part of the stipend was provided by St. Mary's, Cold
Spring.

262 The History of St. Philip's Church

think proper in regard to the general interests of the
Church in the parish." Mr. Shaw's reply was as follows:

Dear Sir,

In reply to the resolution of the Vestry of St. Philips
in the Highlands — which you delivered to me on the
26th inst, I have only to say, that I am not aware of
any neglect of the parochial duties of the parish.
You, as well as other members of the Vestry, are
aware, I presume, that a clergyman has various duties
to perform, and that he may justly be supposed to
know how these are to be proportioned. When your
Vestry can offer such remuneration as will justify an
increased expenditure on my part in the discharge of
the duties of the parish I am ready to do it.

My endeavours to secure the attendance of children
at Sunday School have been ineffectual, therefore,
that the Vestry may know how such instruction is
valued, and that I am ready to perform my duty that
appertains to my office, I will catechise the children
of the parish openly in the Church, according to the
directions of the same.

Respectfully yours,
P. Philips Esq, RT. SHAW.

April 29th, 1848.

In 1850 the parish found itself in serious financial diffi-
culties. The purchaser of the glebe farm refused to
pay the interest on the mortgage, and considerable
arrears of salary were due Mr. Shaw. The Vestry
therefore deemed it "to be their painful duty to close
the church until this present difficulty be adjusted/'
This terminated Mr. Shaw's association with St. Phil-
ip's, but he continued for several years to minister at
Cold Spring, and eventually removed to Canada, where
he died.

Rectors of St. Philip's in the Highlands 263

The church was closed for two years, and in 1852 the
Rev. David E. Barr was called as "officiating minister at
$400 per annum," terminable by three months' notice
on either side. The name of David Eglington Barr first
appears in the records of the Diocese of New York in the
year 1851, when he became Rector of Grace Church,
South Oyster Bay (now Massapequa), Long Island,
from which parish he came to the Highlands. His brief
ministry at St. Philip's was not free from difficulties, and
on August 16th, 1853, he entered upon his duties as
missionary at Butternuts, Otsego County.

£y*'#Tj*/£' efflL*

'iZst^ m

When Mr. Barr left the parish the Vestry appealed to
Bishop Wainwright to provide a clergyman, and in
1854 the Rev. Edward M. Pecke was "called to the
charge of the Church and Parish as its officiating min-
ister for the period of six months," and in June of that
year was formally chosen Rector. His yearly salary
was fixed at $500. Mr. Peck was the first occupant of
the rectory.

On August 3rd, 1857, the following letter was addressed
to the Wardens and Vestry:

Gentlemen,

The salary paid to the Rector by this parish being
utterly inadequate to the support of myself and fam-
ily, I am compelled to resign the charge of it, to enter
upon another field of labor where I have the promise
of support.

264 The History of St. Philip's Church

You will therefore please accept my resignation as
Rector to take effect one month from the date of this
communication.

Very truly yours,

E. M. PECKE.

Edward Mills Pecke, M. A., was received as a candidate
for Holy Orders in the Diocese of New York on July 11th,
1850. He graduated from the General Theological
Seminary three years later, and after his ordination acted
as secretary to the Provisional Bishop of New York. * St.
Philip's was his first pastoral charge. In September,
1857, he removed to the Diocese of New Jersey, where he
became assistant minister of St. Paul's and missionary
at St. Mark's, Newark. He also served as principal of
the parochial school. Mr. Pecke was a gifted musician
and an acknowledged authority on ritual. Long before
the days when choral services were commenced in the
American Church he published a volume entitled, The
Psalter Noted, by the Rev. Thomas Helmore, M. A.,
carefully compared and made to agree with the Psalter
of the Standard Prayer Book of the Church in the
United States of America, by the Rev. Edward M.
Pecke, M. A.2 He labored in many fields. In 1861
he was transferred to the diocese of Massachusetts
and became rector of St. Stephen's, Pittsfield. Some of
his subsequent parishes were St. Mark's, Mauch Chunk,
Pennsylvania (1861); Christ Church, Riverdale, New
York (1866); St. Peter's, Cheshire, Connecticut (1868);
and St. Luke's, Richfield Springs (1873). During his

1 Bishop Wainwright.

2 Recent Recollections of the Anglo-American Church in the
United States by an English Layman. Vol. I, p. 130 ff.

(?JL £^L-

Rector, 1854-18.57

Rectors of St. Philip's in the Highlands 265

ministry in the diocese of Albany he served as Arch-
deacon of the Susquehanna. The closing years of his life
were spent as an inmate of the "Priory Farm," Verbank,
Dutchess County, where he died on the 15th of February,
1898, in the seventieth year of his age.

In September, 1857, a call was accepted by the Rev.
Joel Clap, D. D., who was affectionately known in the
parish as "Daddy Clap." He was instituted into the
rectorship on July 14th, 1858, by Bishop Horatio Potter.
Dr. Clap resigned on January 2nd, 1860, to become Chap-
lain of the Church Charity Foundation, Brooklyn.

Dr. Clap was a very remarkable man. He was a great
missionary, and his name is writ large on the annals of the
Church in Vermont. Although he did not come to
Garrison until 1857 his birth carries us back to the time
when Vermont was covered with virgin forests. In 1789
the town of Montgomery, Vermont, received its charter,
and thither in 1793 came from Massachusetts Captain
Joshua Clap, a soldier of the Revolution. There, on the
14th of September, Joel was born. He was brought up
amid all the hardships of pioneer life.1 In the fall of
1809, at the age of seventeen, he entered the University
of Vermont, but the sudden death of his father, the fol-
lowing year, cut short his college career. He turned to
the study of law in the office of the Hon. Stephen Royce,
ex-Chief Justice and Governor of the State, and was ad-
mitted to the Bar at St. Albans in 1815. Entering into
practice at Sheldon he engaged as a lay reader in the
neighborhood, and finally decided to enter the ministry.

1 These particulars are taken from a paper on The Life of the Rev.
Joel Clap, D.D., read before the Vermont Historical Society at Burling-
ton on January 23d, 1862, by the Rev. Dr. Hicks.

266 The History of St. Philip's Church

He was ordered Deacon by Alexander Viets Griswold,
Bishop of the Eastern Diocese,1 at Greenfield, Massa-
chusetts, on October 2nd, 1818, and was advanced to the
priesthood by the same Bishop on the 17th of September,
1819, at Windsor, Vermont.2 He began his ministerial
work in his native town and for more than forty years
labored incessantly in the State. On October 17th, 1819,
he was instituted by Bishop Griswold into the rectorship
of Trinity Church, Shelburne. To this parish he added
the care and oversight of the distant missionary stations
extending over one hundred miles. In 1827 he took charge
of the parishes of Bethel and Woodstock, where he re-
mained until 1832, when he became Rector of Trinity
Church, Gardiner, Maine. At the end of six years he
returned to his former parish of Woodstock, and in 1846
became rector of Immanuel Church, Bellows Falls, Ver-
mont, from which parish, after twelve years' devoted ser-
vice, he was called to the rectorship of St. Philip's in the
Highlands. He was then sixty -four years of age, worn
with unwearied missionary labors, and he not unnatu-
rally shrank from the task of building the new church.
The comparative ease of the Chaplaincy of the Church
Charity Foundation, Brooklyn, offered him the needed
relief, and he resigned the rectorship at the close of 1859.
The infirmities of age drove him back to Vermont, and
in response to the most urgent request of his old friends
he took the oversight of the churches in Berkshire and
Montgomery. His scholarly attainments were recog-
nized by the conferring of the M. A. degree by Middle-

1 The Eastern Diocese embraced Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont,
New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

2 Documentary History of the Diocese of Vermont, p. 173.

jHjU-tgllt.fr

Rector, 1857-1859

Rectors of St. Philip's in the Highlands £67

bury College in 1820, and the degree of S. T. D. by the
University of Norwich in 1845. Dr. Clap was a leader
in the councils of the diocese of Vermont and the Church
at large. From 1820 to 1832 he was Secretary of the
diocese; for seven years President of the Standing Com-
mittee; and for nine years Secretary of the Board of Land
Agents of the Venerable Society for the Propagation of
the Gospel, which held title to lands in the State. He rep-
resented the diocese of Vermont in the General Conven-
tions of 1829, 1841, 1844, 1847, 1850 and 1853, and was a
delegate from the diocese of Maine in 1832 and 1838.
In the year 1830 he was present at the sailing from Boston
of the first foreign missionaries ever sent out by the
American Church, and Alonzo Potter records that at a
little service held in a boarding house the night before
they sailed, "Some Collects and appropriate prayers were
offered by our brother Clap of Vermont."1 Dr. Clap
was twice married. His first wife was Abigail, daughter
of Josiah Peckham of Sheldon, Vermont. She died at
Woodstock. His second wife was a daughter of Isaac
Hubbard of Claremont, New Hampshire.

The Rev. Charles Frederick Hoffman entered upon his
duties as Rector of the parish in May, 1860, and was for-
mally instituted on June 5th. He was the son of Samuel
Verplanck Hoffman, and was born in White Street, New
York City, in 1830. Graduating from Trinity College in
1851, he entered the General Theological Seminary, but
before his term of study expired he was ordered Deacon
by Bishop George Washington Doane, and spent the
first three years of his ministerial life at Boonton, New

1 Perry, History of the American Episcopal Church, Vol. II, p. 244.

268 The History of St. Philip's Church

Jersey. He then became assistant to Bishop Doane in
the parochial work of St. Mary's, Burlington, whence he
came to Garrison.

During Mr. Hoffman's long rectorship the present
noble stone church was erected, as was also the Chapel of
St. James at Manitou. Nor was his parochial work con-
fined to these centres. He had the true missionary spirit.
To a flock widely scattered on the hills and in the valleys
he was a faithful shepherd. In his day St. Philip's was
the only place of worship in the neighborhood of the river,
and Mr. Hoffman was pastor to the entire community.
Not content with ministering to those who attended the
parish church, he held cottage services in the outlying
districts.

He resigned on August 18th, 1873, and removed to New
York. In reluctantly accepting Mr. Hoffman's resigna-
tion the Vestry adopted the following Minute:

In accepting the resignation of the Rev. Charles
Frederick Hoffman of the rectorship which he has
held for upwards of thirteen years, the Vestry of St.
Philip's in the Highlands desire to record their warm
appreciation of the earnest devotion to his Christian
duties which has marked his long service in this Par-
ish, to bear witness to his zeal, and his successful
efforts in securing the erection of the beautiful edifice
which will remain a monument to his labors, to his
taste, and to his generous contributions to the appro-
priate adornment of the church; to his faithful minis-
trations among the sick and needy, to his watchful
care of the young, to the amiable character, and the
genial and pleasant intercourse which have endeared
him as a neighbour and a friend.

Resolved, that in separating his connection with the
parish the Reverend Mr. Hoffman carries with him

^J- /^^ ^-*ff~-+-

Rector, 18G0-1873

Rectors of St. Philip's in the Highlands 269

the cordial and sincere affection and regard of this
Vestry, and that wherever his lot shall be cast, the
prayers and best wishes of St. Philip's in the High-
lands will attend him.

In 1874 Mr. Hoffman became Rector of the parish of
All Angels, and at his own cost built a beautiful church.
His large inherited wealth he dispensed with great
liberality, his gifts to St. Stephen's College alone amount-
ing to $250,000. During his years of active service he
made notable contributions to the devotional literature
of the Church. He was the author of Words for the
Faithful; The Strait Gate, A Manual for Churchmen; and
the compiler of All the Week Through, a book of family
devotion. He died at Jekyl Island on March 4th, 1897.

On October 17th, 1873, the Rev. Albert Zabriskie
Gray accepted a call to the rectorship, and served the
parish with great fidelity and devotion for nine years.
Mr. Gray was a strong Churchman, and a man of such
beauty of spirit and loftiness of life that he won the
respect of the entire community. He, too, had much of
the missionary spirit, and he built the Chapel of St. John's
in the Wilderness.

On his resignation in 1882 the following letter was
addressed to him by the Vestry of the parish :

St. Philip's in the Highlands,

Garrison, Nov. 8th, 1882.
Reverend and Dear Sir,

In discharge of the duty entrusted to the under-
signed as a Committee of the Vestry of St. Philip's
Church in the Highlands, we beg to express to you the
feeling of the Vestry and congregation on the pros-
pect of your early departure from our parish.

270 The History of St. Philip's Church

The Vestry of St. Philip's accept your resignation
with a profound appreciation of the seriousness of the
severance of the relation of Pastor and flock which
has existed between us for the past nine years. Those
years have been marked with much kind intercourse
and with many acts of charity, benevolence and pas-
toral care, the recollection of which will be cherished
among those to whom you have ministered. The
poor of our parish, and of the neighbourhood outside
our own Communion, will not forget the charities or
the ministrations received at your hands.

We assure you that in the new field of duty upon
which you are about to enter, you carry with you the
best wishes of the Vestry and of the congregation of
St. Philip's for your health and happiness in the dis-
tant home to which you are going, and for your suc-
cess in the important branch of duty which you are
about to assume.

It is our earnest prayer that God's blessing may be
with you and yours, now and hereafter.

Reverend and Dear Sir,

We are very sincerely and truly yours,

(Signed) HAMILTON FISH,

WILLIAM MOORE,
SAM SLOAN,
THOS. B. ARDEN.

Albert Zabriskie Gray was born on March 2nd, 1840.
He graduated from the University of the City of New York
in 1860, and from the General Theological Seminary four
years later. His ordination to the Ministry by Bishop
Horatio Potter was hastened to enable him to serve
as Chaplain during the Civil War, to the Fourth Massa-
chusetts Cavalry, commanded by Colonel Rand. "He
took the field with his regiment, and shared the glories,

THE REV. ALBERT ZABRISKIE GRAY, D.D.

Rector, 1873-1882

Rectors of St. Philips in the Highlands 271

perils, hardships and privations of the magnificent Cav-
alry Corps of the Army of the Potomac in 1864-5, com-
manded by that illustrious soldier, Lieutenant-General
Sheridan. He was captured by the enemy in one of the
many battles in which he participated, and was a prisoner
of war when General Lee surrendered at Appomattox
Court House in 1865. During his service in the Army
he became especially endeared to his command, and was
a devoted, faithful soldier, in the hospital and around the
camp fire, in the ranks of those who fought without
guns. *

On the declaration of peace Mr. Gray became Rector
of Bloomfield, New Jersey, where he remained for two
years. By reason of ill health he traveled extensively
in Europe and the Orient, and on his return, became
Rector of St. Philip's in the Highlands. In 1882 he
succeeded Dr. de Koven as Warden of Racine College,
Wisconsin, where he served until a short time before his
death.

Mr. Gray had marked literary ability, and was a poet
of no mean order. Among his published works are The
Land and The Life, or Sketches and Studies in Palestine
(1876); Mexico As It Is (1878); Words of the Cross (1880);
Jesus Only, and other Sacred Songs (1882). In 1876 he
received from Columbia College the degree of Doctor in
Divinity. Mr. Gray died in Chicago on the 16th of
February, 1889, at the early age of forty-nine years, and
of him may be quoted his own verse :

* Memorial Minute of the Illinois Commandery of the Military
Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, 1889.

272 The History of St. Philip's Church

Oh, happy they whose faith and love
Through grave and gate of death endure!
Thrice happy they, who from its sleep
Rise to the vision of the pure.

On the 27th of April, 1883, the Rev. Walter Thompson,
rector of Grace Church, Waterford, in the diocese of
Albany, accepted a call to the rectorship of the parish.
He is a graduate of Amherst College, and in 1888 re-
ceived the degree of Doctor of Sacred Theology from
Hobart College. Ordained by Bishop William Cros-
well Doane in 1876, he served as rector of Cambridge,
New York, and Waterford before coming to Garrison.
To Dr. Thompson belongs the honor of the longest rec-
torship of the parish, and on his resignation on March
1st, 1898, the following minute was placed upon the Ves-
try records :

Whereas the Vestry of St. Philip's in the High-
lands has received the resignation of the Rev.
Walter Thompson, D. D., as rector of the Parish after
a service of fifteen years, during all of which time the
most cordial relations have existed between the Rec-
tor and the congregation.

Resolved: That the Vestry accept with profound
regret Dr. Thompson's resignation, and extend to him
the warmest expressions of esteem and affection.

The Rev. Carroll Perry, B. D., was elected Rector
of the parish in 1898. Mr. Perry is a graduate of
Williams College and of the Yale Divinity School,
from which he graduated in 1894. He was ordered
Deacon in 1896 and ordained Priest in 1898 by Bishop
H. C. Potter. Previous to coming to Garrison he was
on the staff of Grace Church, New York. After nine

THE REV. WALTER THOMPSON, M.A., D.D.
Rector, 1883-1898

Rectors of St. Philip's in the Highlands 273

years' service Mr. Perry resigned to accept the rector-
ship of St. Peter's parish, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts.
In 1911 he became rector of St. Paul's, Brookline.

He was succeeded on January 16th, 1908, by the Rev.
Edward Clowes Chorley, B. D., Curate of Bethesda
Church, Saratoga Springs, and who was formerly Curate
of Christ Church, Yonkers, St. George's, Newburgh, and
Rector of Emanuel Church, Great River, Long Island.

Whilst the parish has never had a resident Curate,
its extensive missionary work necessitated clerical assis-
tance to care for the Chapels of St. James and St. John.
During the rectorship of Dr. Gray he was assisted from
time to time by the Rev. Dr. John Henry Hobart, and
later the Rev. George Seabury of Fishkill rendered in-
valuable service at St. John's Chapel.

For many years St. James' Chapel was under the pas-
toral care of the Rev. Richard Beverley Arden, son of
Colonel Thomas B. Arden. He died on the 21st of
March, 1910, at Elizabeth, New Jersey. The following
beautiful "appreciation" fitly summarizes his life and
work:

A few days ago was buried in the beautiful church-
yard of St. Philip's, at Garrison-on-Hudson, all that
was mortal of Richard Beverley Arden.

It seems fitting to one who was long associated with
him, both as rector and friend, to place this tribute of
affection upon his grave. For he served the worthiest
till the end.

In his young manhood he assisted the Rev. Charles
Frederick Hoffman in his ministerial duties, and later
gave valued service to the Rev. Albert Zabriskie Gray,
during the nine years of his incumbency of St. Philip's.
When Dr. Gray resigned his charge to assume the war-

274 The History of St. Philip's Church

denship of Racine College, Beverley Arden went with
him to his Western home, and served faithfully in the
Grammar School of Racine College during the term of
Dr. Gray's administration.

On his return to his Highland home he was ordained
to the diaconate by Bishop Henry C. Potter, and for
many years, as assistant to the Rev. Walter Thomp-
son, D. D., was in charge of the mission chapel of St.
James in the Highlands. Only those who have had
personal experience of country mission work can appre-
ciate all the self-denial and self-effacement consequent
upon this service to the Church. In summer heat
and winter storm, year after year, without inter-
mission, Beverley Arden ministered with conscien-
tious fidelity to those committed to his charge. And
when ill health came to him, and he was forced by
failing strength to relinquish his charge, there were
those who felt he had earned his place within "the
aristocracy of grace."

It is with full realization of this fact that I would
write this brief memorial as the representative of the
many who in past years received his kindly ministra-
tions and who would wish to give fitting tribute to his
worth. There are not many, so limited as to health and
strength, who bring their all, and place themselves and
all they are, and have, in loving homage at the Mas-
ter's feet. We read of her, whose praise is in the Gos-
pel, who gave more than they all, because she gave all
the living that she had. So Beverley Arden, both in
youth and age, gave himself in utter consecration to
the service of the Church he so earnestly loved. He
rests in peace among the Highland hills, surrounded
by the 'sleeping places' of those of his own generation
to whom he ministered in holy things. Of him it
can be said in all truth and sincerity that he was faith-

Rectors of St. Philip's in the Highlands 275

ful unto death, and by his faithfulness earned the
crown of life. So by his example he preached the
Word of Life, and by the consecration of his life he
brought many to righteousness.

There are those, not a few, who rejoice that his final
sleep is to be among those to whom he ministered so
faithfully in the temple of God, and to be remembered
by them as one who "being dead yet speaketh."1

1 Rev. Walter Thompson, D. D., The Churchman, April 23d, 1910.

276 The History of St. Philip's Church

RECTORS AND "PRIESTS IN CHARGE" OF
ST. PHILIP'S IN THE HIGHLANDS
FROM 1834 TO 1910.

1835. fRev. Charles Luck.

1836. fRev. Mr. Peake.

1836-7. fRev. Henry Lemuel Storrs, M. A.

1838-9. fRev. Edward C. Bull.

1839-43. Rev. Ebenezer Williams.

1843-50. Rev. Robert Shaw.

1852-3. fRev. David E. Barr.

1854-7. Rev. Edward M. Pecke, M. A.

1857-9. Rev. Joel Clap, D.D.

1860-73. Rev. Charles Frederick Hoffman, M.A.,

D.D.
1873-1882. Rev. Albert Zabriskie Gray, D. D.
1883-1898. Rev. Walter Thompson, M. A., S.T. D.
1898-1907. Rev. Carroll Perry, B. D.
1908. Rev. Edward Clowes Chorley, B.D.

In addition to these, the Rev. Edward Wallace Neil
ministered for a short time about 1882, and at St. James'
Chapel there served

Rev. James Upjohn,
Rev. R. Beverley Arden,

and at St. John's Chapel,

Rev. George Seabury.

f Priest in Charge.

Rector, 1898-1907

Rectors of St Philip's in the Highlands 277

INSTITUTION OF RECTORS.

The following Rectors were formally instituted to
their office, and the keys of St. Philip's in the Highlands
placed in their hands:

1843. The Rev. Ebenezer Williams, by

Harry Garrison, "Esq.", senior
Warden.

July 14th, 1858. The Rev. Joel Clap, D.D., by Bishop

Horatio Potter.

June 5th, 1860. The Rev. Charles Frederick Hoffman,
M. A., by the Rev. Alfred B. Beach,
D.D., Rector of St. Peter's, New
York, acting for Bishop Horatio
Potter.

March 8th, 1908. The Rev. Edward Clowes Chorley,

B.D., by Bishop Henry Codman
Potter, the keys of the Church
being presented by the Hon. Ham-
ilton Fish.

278 The History of St . Philip' s Church

ORDINATIONS.

The following ordinations have taken place in the
Church of St. Philip's in the Highlands :

May 9th, 1833.

July 27th, 1837.

September 13th, 1839.

St. Matthew's Day,
September 21st, 1890.

June 24th, 1894.

Rev. James Sunderland, to the
Priesthood, by Bishop On-
derdonk.

The Rev. Henry Lemuel Storrs,
M.A., to the Priesthood, by
Bishop Onderdonk.

The Rev. Ebenezer Williams,
to the Priesthood, by Bishop
Benjamin T. Onderdonk.

Hamilton Cady, to the Diacon-
ate, by Bishop Henry Codman
Potter.

The Rev. Elbert Floyd-Jones,
M. A., to the Priesthood, by
Bishop Henry Codman Potter.

CHAPTER X.

THE PARISH OF ST. PHILIP'S IN THE HIGHLANDS.
WARDENS AND VESTRYMEN.

1840-1911.

ST. Philip's Parish has been singularly fortunate
in the laymen called to administer its temporal
concerns. Many of the Wardens and Vestry-
men were men of mark; men who held positions of honor
and responsibility, and they brought their large expe-
rience to serve the interests of the parish in which they
lived.

The following is a tabulated list of the deceased War-
dens and Vestrymen, with their years of service:

CHURCHWARDENS.

Samuel Gouverneur

1840-47.

Harry Garrison

1808-45.

John Garrison

1848-63.

Frederick Philipse

1848-74.

Henry W. Belcher

1864-76.

William Moore

1875-85.

Hamilton Fish, LL. D.

1877-93.

Thomas B. Arden

1885-95.

Samuel Sloan

1896-1907.

Charles de Rham

1894-1909.

VESTRYMEN.

Daniel Haight

1795-9; 1808-16; 1820-42.

Warden in 1800.

Frederick Philipse

1829-48. Warden 1848.

280 The History of St. Philip's Church

John Garrison
Henry C. de Rham
Richard D. Arden
Cornelius Nelson
Justus Nelson, 2nd
Joshua Nelson
Cornelius Nelson, Jr.
Cyrus Gay
George Haight
Peter Bross
Thomas B. Arden

S. M. Warburton Gouverneur

James Henry Garrison

Christopher Haight

Henry Mead

Adolphe N. Gouverneur

Henry W. Belcher

John Hopper

James Garrison

Richard Upjohn

George F. Garrison

William Moore

Hamilton Fish

William D. Garrison

David Maguire

George Miller

Nathaniel F. Moore, LL. D.

George E. Moore

General Jas. F. Hall

Charles de Rham

Samuel Sloan

William S. Livingston

William H. Osborn

Francis A. Livingston

John M. Toucey

John H. Iselin

1826-47. Warden 1848.

1836-47; 1864-74.

1840-57.

1802, 1811-29; 1836-41.

1840-41.

1840.

1841-2.

1842-44.

1843-9; 1853-7. Warden

1885.
1844-52; 1864-76.
1846-47.
1847.
1847-54.
1852-54.

1852-92. Warden 1864.
1852-53.
1852-53.
1852-78.

1857-61; 1865-66.
1857-85. Warden 1875.
1862-93. Warden 1877.
1863-64; 1868-69.
1863-64.
1863-64.
1865-73.
1865-67.
1867-77.

1874-94. Warden 1894.
1875-96. Warden 1896.
1875-91.
1877-78.
1880-85.
1890-96.
1890-93.

SAMUEL GOUVERNEUR

Church Warden, 1840-1847

Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Philip's 281

The present Wardens and Vestrymen, with the date
of their elections, are:

CHURCH WARDENS.

Hamilton Fish 1907. Elected Vestryman 1874.
Charles de Rham 1909. Elected Vestryman 1895.

VESTRYMEN.

Thomas H. Austin

1869.

William Church Osborn

1886.

Colonel William E. Rogers

1895.

Dr. Timothy M. Cheesman

1896.

Samuel Sloan

1898.

William M. Benjamin

1907.

Henry Fairfield Osborn, D. Sc,

LL.D.

1909.

Stuyvesant Fish

1910.

Charles C. Haight

1910.1

The following have served the parish as Clerk to the
Vestry, and Treasurer: *

CLERK TO THE VESTRY.

Frederick Philipse 1836-73.

Henry W. Belcher 1873-77; 1878-92.

James F. Hall 1877-78.

John H. Iselin 1892-94.

Hamilton Fish 1894-95.

Charles de Rham, Jr. 1895-1909.

William M. Benjamin 1909.

1 Mr. Frederick Gore King retired from the Vestry in 1910, owing
to removal from the parish, after seventeen years' valued service.

282 The History of St . P hilip9 s Church

TREASURER.

Frederick Philipse

1836-73.

Henry W. Belcher

1873-92.

John M. Toucey

1892-98.

William E. Rogers

1898.

SAMUEL GOUVERNEUR'S (1840-7) name appears
as senior Warden at the first election of a Vestry for the
parish in 1840. It was a fitting tribute to one who had
for many years served the Church in the Highlands with
unstinted devotion. For eight years previous to the
separation of the two churches Mr. Gouverneur had
been a member of the Vestry, and his election as the
first Warden of the new parish was not only a recog-
nition of personal worth, but also of the great obligation
of St. Philip's Church to the Philipse family. Mr. Gouv-
erneur was born in 1771, and married Mary, only daugh-
ter of Captain Frederick Philips. Their children were,
Frederick (who took the name of Philipse), Adolphus
Nathaniel, Samuel Mangan Warburton, Margaret and
Mary Marston. It is noteworthy that all three sons
were members of the Vestry. Mr. Gouverneur died
January 29th, 1847, in the seventy-sixth year of his age.

With the advent of HARRY GARRISON (1808-45)
to the Vestry there began a family connection with that
honorable position which extended over a period of

seventy -three years. He was descended from Gerret
Gerretsen, who came over on the "Gilded Beaver" from

Church Warden, 1848-18G3

Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Philip's 283

Holland in 1660 and lived on Staten Island. The char-
acter of the man is well set forth in the following certifi-
cate:

We Burgomasters, Schepens and Councillors of the
City of Waggenin declare: by these presents, that
there appeared before us, Hendrick Glessin and Jor-
diz Sparers, citizens of this city, at the request of
Gerret Gerretsen and Anna Herrmanne, his wife.
They have testified and certified, as they do by these
presents, that they have good knowledge of the
above named Gerret Gerretsen and Anna Herr-
manne, his wife, as to their life and conversation, and
that they have always been considered and esteemed
as pious and honest people, and that no complaint of
any evil or disorderly conduct has ever reached their
ears; on the contrary, they have always led quiet,
pious and honest lives, as it becomes pious and honest
persons. They especially testify that they govern
their family well, and bring up their children in the
fear of God, and in all modesty and respectability.
As the above named persons have resolved to remove
and proceed to New Netherlands in order to find
greater convenience, they give this attestation,
grounded on their knowledge of them, having known
them intimately, and having been in continual in-
tercourse with them many years, living in the same
neighbourhood .

In testimony of the truth, we, the Burgomasters
of the city have caused the secret seal of the city to
be imprinted on this paper.

Done at Wegennin 27th November, 1660. *

Harry Garrison was the first member of the family to
settle on the Hudson, and he bought land here about 1785.
He was a farmer, and for some years lived in Pleasant

1 Pelletreau's History of Putnam County, p. 617.

284 The History of St. Philip's Church

Valley. He threw himself heartily into the work of the
parish to which the ties of marriage bound him very
closely, becoming a leader in the social and religious life
of the community, and was the first County Judge of
Putnam. The journal of the Rev. Silas Constant records
many services "at the house of Esq. Garrison." In 1785
he married Jane, daughter of Joshua Nelson, a member
of the first Vestry in 1770, and grand-daughter of Jacob
Mandeville, in whose house the first services of the
Church were held. For forty-six years he served on the
Vestry. First elected in 1795; re-elected in 1800 and
from 1808 until his death in 1845 he was one of the
Wardens. He is buried in St. Philip's churchyard.

He was succeeded as Warden by his only surviving son,
JOHN GARRISON (1848-63), who throughout the
county was known as "Judge," and who filled almost
every public office in the gift of the people. He was
Judge of Putnam County, Sheriff, Surrogate, twice a mem-
ber of the Legislature and for forty consecutive years a
Justice of the Peace. Born in 1795, he married Martha,
daughter of John Dominick of New York. In 1829 he
established the ferry to West Point, and eighteen years
later the name of the landing was changed to "Garri-
son's." Though a strong Democrat John Garrison ral-
lied to the support of the Union threatened by the
Civil War. Presiding at a county mass meeting held at
Carmel on September 7th, 1861, he said, "I have voted
the Democratic ticket for forty years, and last fall I
voted for John C. Breckenridge, but I thank God that I
lost my vote, and am proud to stand here with my fellow
citizens of all parties, to ground our party weapons, and

Aj^^^

Vestryman, 1829-1848
Church Warden, 1848-1874

Wardens and Vestrymen of St, Philip's 285

join in battling for the welfare of our common country."1
Judge Garrison was a member of the Vestry for thirty-
seven years; from 1826 until 1848 as a Vestryman, and
from 1848 until 1863 as Warden. He died November
3rd, 1867. In all five members of the Garrison family
served on the Vestry. Harry was elected in 1795; John
in 1826; James in 1852; George F. in 1857; and William
D. in 1863.

It would be difficult to exaggerate the debt which
the parish owes to the Philipse family, the Lords of
the Manor. They gave liberally of land, money and
personal service. In the annals of the Vestry the name
of FREDERICK PHILIPSE (1848-74) stands out
prominently for nearly half a century. The son of
Samuel Gouverneur, he assumed the name of "Philipse"
by an act of the Legislature in 1830, and married on
July 3rd, 1856, Catherine Wads worth Post of Hunting-
ton, Long Island. In the year 1829 he became a member
of the Vestry, and served continuously until 1848, when
he became Warden, which office he filled until his death
in 1874. By profession a lawyer, his somewhat frail
health precluded him from active practice, and he
divided his interest between the parish and the care of
the family estate. For thirty-seven years he filled the
offices of Clerk and Treasurer to the Vestry. During
all those years he kept the records with the most pains-
taking care, retaining a copy of every important letter he
wrote. His accounts are models of lucidity. To him
we owe the preservation of the original minutes of the
Vestry, and without his care and forethought the annals

1 Pelletreau's History of Putnam County, p. 204.

286 The History of St. Philip's Church

of the parish could never have been transcribed. He
was a country gentleman of the highest type, knowing
personally every tenant, deeply interested in their wel-
fare and their steadfast friend and helper in time of need.

Mr. Philipse died at his Highland home on Monday,
October 26th, 1874, in the seventy-first year of his age,
and was buried in the family vault in Trinity churchyard,
New York. In the words of his former rector he was "a
communicant of many years; a thoughtful and con-
scientious man, a laborious officer for many years in his
parish, a loyal citizen, a considerate friend."1 The
Vestry spoke of him as "identified by personal and family
ties, reaching into the last century, with the worthiest
history and interests of this region, and long a principal
pillar in its venerable Church — himself a gentleman
of the old school — a man of simple, strong, straightfor-
ward character; we cannot but feel in our bereavement
that we are mourning a friend indeed, and one whose place
in the ranks of Christian service it will not be easy to fill.
His liberal benefactions to this parish will form for him
a fitting monument as lasting as our Highland hills,
amid which he only cared to live and die."

HENRY W. BELCHER (1864-76) entered the Vestry
in 1852 and served exactly forty years. From 1864 to
1876 he was one of the Wardens. The son of Dr. Elisha
R. Belcher, he was born at Portchester, July 8th, 1820.
His early life was spent in New York City. By his
marriage in 1843 to Martha A., daughter of John Garri-
son, he became connected with the parish, and eventually
purchased the old homestead of Harry Garrison. For

1 Rev. C. F. Hoffman in The Churchman.

Vestryman, 1852-1864
Church Warden, 1864-1 87G

Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Philip's 287

several years he was on the Vestry of the Church of the
Epiphany, New York. As recorded elsewhere, Mr.
Belcher was the donor of the land on which the Rectory
was built. He died on October 25th, 1892, aged seventy-
two years, and the Vestry voiced their sorrow in these
words :

Loving the Highland hills as few loved them, and
caring only here to live, he built his home and with
his house, sought to upbuild the house of God. As
Warden, Vestryman, Clerk and Treasurer, he gave
willing and efficient service to the Church and the com-
munity. In the days when the parish was weak and
struggling for a mere existence, he gave the land on
which the Rectory is built, and a portion of the land en-
closing our beautiful churchyard. Resting from his
labors, he sleeps near the church of his love, and in
the consecrated ground he gave for the resting place
of the children of the Church.

WILLIAM MOORE (1875-85) became a member of
the Vestry in 1857, and served until his death in 1885,
the last ten years as Warden. He came of one of the
oldest families in America, being descended from Thomas
de Moore, who went to England with William of Nor-
mandy in 1066, * and fought in the battle of Hastings.
His American ancestor was the Rev. John Moore, the
first Independent minister of Newtown, and who died in
1657. Mr. Moore was the son of Dr. William Moore and
Jane Fish, his wife, and a nephew of Benjamin Moore,
second Bishop of the diocese of New York. He was born
in 1798, and was associated in business with his colleague
on the Vestry, Henry Casimir de Rham. He was a man

1 Riker's Annals of Newtown, p. 327.

288 The History of St. Philip's Church

of singular charm of disposition and a devoted Church-
man. He died on the 9th of July, 1885, in the eighty-
eighth year of his age, and to his memory his colleagues
on the Vestry paid this beautiful tribute:

Sweet and lovely in his nature, and in his inter-
course, but stern and inflexible in his principle, Mr.
Moore's was a life which a Christian may wish to
have lived, and to which a Christian may point for
an example. For many years a member, a vestry-
man, and a warden of this parish, his presence was
constant, and his zealous devotion at the services of
the Church inspired zeal and devotion in others.

HAMILTON FISH, LL.D. (1877-93), came to reside
in the parish just as steps were being taken to build the
new church. Entering the Vestry in 1862, for fourteen
years as vestryman, and sixteen years as warden, he
placed his large knowledge of affairs freely at the disposal
of the Church.

The Fish family traces its origin to Saxon times, and
first settled in this country at Lynn, Massachusetts, re-
moving in 1637 to Sandwich, on Cape Cod. Jonathan
Fish was one of the founders of Newtown, Long Island, in
1659. Hamilton was the third child of Colonel Nicholas
Fish and Elizabeth Stuyvesant, his wife, and was born in
New York on August 3rd, 1808. A graduate of Colum-
bia in the class of 1827, he was admitted to the Bar in
1830. As befitted a descendant of Peter Stuyvesant,
Mr. Fish was greatly interested in the problems of gov-
ernment, and in 1842 elected a member of the House of
Representatives of the United States. Six years later he
was elected to the high office of Governor of the State of
New York after having served for one year as Lieutenant

Vestryman, 1857-1875
Church Warden, 1875-1885

Wardens and Vestrymen of St, Philip's 289

Governor, and in 1851 he was chosen United States Sen-
ator. With the election of General Ulysses S. Grant to
the Presidency in 1869, Mr. Fish was appointed Secre-
tary of State, an office he held for eight years with signal
advantage to the country. He carried to a successful
issue the delicate negotiations on the Alabama Claims
with Great Britain, and as a member of Joint High Com-
mission negotiated the Treaty of Washington in 1871.
While at the head of the Department of State, to his
skillful handling of affairs a war with Spain was averted,
and largely due to his influence was the veto of the In-
flation Act by General Grant, which resulted in the pas-
sage of the Resumption Act for specie payments through-
out the United States.

"Few men," writes the then assistant secretary of state,
"were better fitted for this place by training, by experi-
ence, and by qualities of mind and character than Hamil-
ton Fish. . . . His father had served in the conti-
nental army, and was the intimate friend and executor of
Alexander Hamilton . . . Graduating at Columbia
College with the highest honors, he identified himself from
early manhood with every effort for its prosperity and
growth. He was respected and beloved in his native city.
. In his dealings with others he was just, patient
and even tempered; a good listener; modest and retiring;
kindly and sympathetic; and carried his own measures
by convincing others of their justice."1

Although immersed in affairs of State, Mr. Fish found
time to promote the interests of the parish in manifold
directions. To his generosity was due the construction of

1 J. C. Bancroft Davis : Mr. Fish and the Alabama Claims, p. 16-17.

290 The History of St. Philip's Church

the stonewall enclosing the churchyard, and he was one of
the members of the building committee of the new church.
After his death there was found in his own handwriting ex-
tensive and valuable memoranda outlining the history of
the parish. He died on Thursday, September 7th, 1893,
at the age of eighty-five years, and was interred in the
churchyard, the officiating clergymen being the late
Bishop H. C. Potter, Dr. Morgan Dix and the Rev. Dr.
Walter Thompson, Rector of the parish. Preaching on
All Saints' Day the Rector said:

Men will tell you that Hamilton Fish was the re-
sult, in his political and social relations, of favoring
circumstances, and that what men call good birth
and easy fortune were the elements out of which his
successful career was wrought. The materialism of
life would reduce everything to a question of fortune
and of blood. But you and I who knew the man can
contradict with most emphatic speech such a trav-
esty upon the facts of the case. Hamilton Fish be-
came the eminent and foremost man he was because
all through life he was governed by principle alone.

As a statesman (I purposely avoid the word poli-
tician) he ever sought to be governed by right, truth,
justice, magnanimity. True, he lived and did his
work for God and State, before the days when politics
became a business, and men gained influence and pre-
ferment, not by worth, but from their usefulness to
what is now vulgarly denominated the machine. He
never sought office; the highest political gifts in the
power of the people of this, the Empire State of the
Republic, to confer, were literally forced upon him.
He never went about cap in hand asking for place in
the councils of the nation, and the people of his State
forced upon him the Senatorship in the day when the

(^//&000Jc7ffi2L

Vestryman, 1862-1876
Church Warden, 187G-1893

Wardens and Vestrymen of St, Philip's 291

word conveyed a meaning lost to the wire-pulling
and venal party men of our generation.

In the most troublous times of readjustment at the
close of our Civil War (with problems of stupendous
magnitude before the country; with domestic com-
plications, and foreign controversies), he was called
from a well-earned seclusion and rest amid these
Highland Hills to act as the adviser of the greatest
soldier of the age. And he went from the quiet wor-
ship of his God in this little church to preside as Sec-
retary of State over the destinies of the nation.
There was no gift in the power of the nation to bestow,
save one, which was not his, and in them all, as Con-
gressman, Governor, Senator, Secretary of State, he
was actuated by one only rule, God's Rule of Truth.
And when he died, and we laid him at rest here in this
quiet Highland churchyard, the newspaper press of
the entire nation, from the Atlantic to the Pacific,
without respect of party affiliation, paid fitting tribute
to his worth.

And why? He was a Statesman, not a mere party
man. With him questions were national questions
and fraught with national concern. And so the other
day (when national problems have been turned into
mere questions of party aggrandizement) men turned
aside from their selfish self-seeking and with un-
covered head paid their tribute to this son of the
"elder time," who served his God with true wor-
ship, and his country with all the devotion of his life
and heart.

The history of our times has yet to be written.
You and I perhaps will not live to read the written
page, but on it our children will be pointed to the life
of Hamilton Fish as an incentive to high endeavor and
true living; as the life of one who had all the world
had to give, not because he sought it, for he never did,

292 The History of St. Philip's Church

but because men saw in him the living embodiment of
that patriotism which alone in perilous times can save
the State.

The same principles that moulded the Statesman
controlled the Churchman. He was not a man of
narrow sympathies, nor could he in any sense be
called a party man. He was too loyal a son of the
Church for party affiliations. He loved the Church
with all the intensity of his nature and all the loyalty
of his heart. The liturgical service, the reverent
rites, the Sacramental system, the Episcopal gov-
ernment, all claimed his reverence, and to all he gave
his devoted homage. To him the Church, in her Sac-
raments, represented the extension of the Incarnation
of Jesus Christ. His was too deep and serious a
nature to be carried away by party enthusiasm and
temporary excitement in the ecclesiastical world.
And so, when in the diocese, or in the Church at
large, a representative man was needed, men always
turned to him. His was a wise conservatism tem-
pered by knowledge and experience of men and move-
ments.

The oldest living member of the Diocesan Conven-
tion in continuous service; a member for many years
from the Diocese of New York to the General Con-
vention of the Church; a member of the Committee
on the Revision of the Book of Common Prayer, he
brought into every committee room and to each delib-
erative body a wise judgment and wide knowledge
upon matters of ecclesiastical import. Men trusted
him and were guided by him, not simply because he
was conservative in his views, but because they real-
ized that his conservatism was not the result of in-
tellectual stagnation but of profound knowledge and
reading of the fundamentals of the faith. And al-
though a decided and consistent Churchman, he in-
cluded within his ecclesiastical range of sympathy all

Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Philip's 293

those who are redeemed by the Blood of Christ and
are partakers of the Divine benefits. And in his con-
ception of the Church, the body of Christ, he had the
well-attested verification of the wisest and most in-
fluential of the Anglican Divines.

When I come to speak of our late Warden in his
parochial relationship, I feel intensely the delicacy
of my position and the utter inadequacy of my words.
In no strained sense I followed his bier as one that
mourned for a brother. As I read those words by
which Holy Church brings comfort to the mourning
and the sorrowful, I was reminded of the last appear-
ance of Samuel before the hosts of Israel when he as-
sembled them at Gilgal: "Here am I this day, testify
against me." And as on the plain of Gilgal no sen-
tence could be found against the Judge and Prophet,
so in the representative assemblage in this holy place,
when the Office for the Burial of the Dead was read,
men had one only word to say, and that of fullest com-
mendation. Here rests a man of God.1

The following minute of the Vestry voices the high
esteem in which Governor Fish was held in the parish :

The Vestry of St. Philip's Church in the Highlands
painfully appreciate the loss of their venerable and
beloved associate, Mr. Hamilton Fish, who passed
through death unto life on the seventh day of Sep-
tember, inst. For more than thirty years a member,
a Vestryman, and a Warden of this Church, he leaves
behind him a record of great beneficence and zealous
interest in all parochial concerns. Called, in the prov-
idence of God, to high and responsible duties in the
ecclesiastical council of the Church, he ever retained
his chief love and devoted interest for his Highland

1 A Tribute of Love to the Memory of Hamilton Fish, LL. D., by
Walter Thompson, D. D., privately printed, 1894.

294 The History of St. Philip's Church

parish home. A member of the Committee on the
Revision of the Book of Common Prayer, for many-
years a Deputy from the Diocese of New York to
the General Convention, and the oldest delegate of
continuous service to the Diocesan Convention of
New York, he brought wide and far-reaching knowl-
edge to every question of parochial import, and a
matured judgment on all ecclesiastical concerns.
Firm in his religious convictions, free in the dis-
pensation of his charities, and of his philanthropy, he
walked among us a model of purity, of integrity, and
of generosity, beloved and venerated.

Long retired from the active duties of the world,
he devoted his later years to his duties to his family,
to his neighbors and to his God. A life of eighty-five
years, well spent, is closed without a spot or blemish
on its long career. Love and affection follow him in
death as they attended him in life.

The Vestry place upon his grave this testimony
of their sincere and affectionate admiration of his
character, and of their deep lament of their loss
at his departure.

For many years, Colonel THOMAS BOYLE ARDEN

was a prominent figure in the community and a devoted
communicant of the Church. The second son of Richard
D. Arden and Jane De Peyster, he was born in New
York City, May 27th, 1813. He entered West Point
July 1st, 1830, and graduated June 30th, 1835. After
serving at various frontier posts he spent the years 1837-
41 as assistant instructor at West Point, and later served
in the Florida War. Resigning from the Army in 1842,
he returned to active service when the Civil War broke
out, and took part in the defense of Washington, and also
acted as military agent to the New York troops from

COLONEL THOMAS BOYLE ARDEN

Vestryman, 1848-1867; 1878-1885
Church Warden, 1885-1896

Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Philip's 295

1861 to 1863. His official connection with the parish
extended over a period of thirty-seven years. Elected
first as a Vestryman in 1848, he served until 1867; re-
entered the Vestry eleven years later, and in 1885 he
became a Warden, occupying that position until his
death. For many years he had charge of the church-
yard as Registrar of the Vestry. Colonel Arden was a
gentleman of the old school, a devout and regular attend-
ant on the services of the Church, where, with his blue
coat and gilt buttons, he made a picturesque figure. He
departed this life in 1896 at the age of eighty-four.

SAMUEL SLOAN'S association with the Vestry
of St. Philip's in the Highlands extended over a period of
nearly thirty-three years. Born at Lisburn, Ireland,
on Christmas Day, 1817, he was baptized in the Cathe-
dral of which Jeremy Taylor was second Bishop. Brought
to America in early infancy he spent his long and honored
life in New York and its vicinity. In 1844 he married
Margaret, daughter of Peter Elmendorf . For very many
years he was a prominent factor in the development of
railroads. From 1857 to 1867 he was President of the
Hudson River Railroad, and shortly after his retirement
from that position he became President of the Delaware,
Lackawanna and Western road, at the head of which he
remained for forty years. From the time that he pur-
chased a large estate in Garrison, though an Elder in the
Dutch Reformed Church in New York, he threw himself
most heartily into the welfare of this parish, giving un-
stintedly both time and money. He died, honored and
respected by the whole community, on September 22nd,
1907, aged ninety years, and was laid to rest in the
churchyard.

296 The History of St . Philip9 s Church

The following resolution was adopted by the Vestry :

Whereas the Vestry of S. Philip's Church in the
Highlands has learned with sorrow of the death of
Samuel Sloan, a member of the Vestry for thirty-two
years, and Warden for eleven years,

Resolved: That we inscribe on our Minutes a
record of his long and valued service and a tribute to
the manly piety which ever led him to devote his rare
gifts of energy and judgment to the service of this
Church. He entered with zeal upon every interest
of the parish, and his counsels were all of peace.
"Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that
walketh in His ways."

The Sunday after his death a beautiful tribute of
friendship was paid to Mr. Sloan's memory by his friend
and former rector, the Rev. Dr. Walter Thompson, who
said:

From every point of view Samuel Sloan was a man
of simple tastes, kindly, genial, home-loving, just and
courteous. He would pass from a committee room in
which great financial matters were discussed, to take
his place in this quiet Highland Church as a humble
member of Christ's flock. He was greatly pleased at
his election as Warden. He wrote the then Rector,
"I accept with pleasure the election to an office held
by some of distinction, and for whom I had the great-
est esteem" .... His life had been enriched
beyond that of any man I had ever known. Not only
to pass the threescore years and ten of the Psalmist,
but ten years more than the fourscore years of "labor
and sorrow," with eye undimned — and like the great
Lawgiver — with natural force unabated; to have
gathered around him sons and daughters doing their
life work with honor and esteem; to see around him
his children's children to realize in his own old age the

Vestryman, 1875-1896
Church Warden, 1896-1907

Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Philip's 297

truth of the Divine promise, "and show mercy unto
the third and fourth generation in them that love Me
and keep my commandments." And truly the bless-
ing of the Lord, in whom he so profoundly believed,
was upon him. To round out a career of ninety years,
to be in full possession of his faculties, to be freed from
the depression of extreme old age, to be deeply inter-
ested in the social and political problems of a genera-
tion two score and more younger than his own, with-
out a stain on his escutcheon, without pain and suffer-
ing gently to fold the hands and close the eyes and fall
asleep like a little child. Truly this is to inherit the
blessing of the Lord.1

CHARLES de RHAM was the son of Henry Casimir
de Rham, whose name first appears as a member of the
Vestry in 1836. He was born in 1822. His death, on
February 23rd, 1909, closed an association with the
parish of St. Philip's in the Highlands which covered a
period of seventy-five years. In 1874 he was elected a
member of the Vestry, and in 1894 was made Warden,
his service on the Vestry extending over thirty-five years.

Preaching in the parish church on All Saints' Day,
the Rev. Dr. Walter Thompson said of him:

Charles de Rham was, for more than a genera-
tion, a Vestryman and Warden of the Parish. He
walked beside the still waters, and was but little known
among the busy haunts of men. But where known,
and understood, he commanded a respect and in-
fluence given few men to wield. His standards were of
the highest, and he never lowered them to meet the
changing customs of the world. This was not due
to any personal idiosyncracy, but to a deep under-

1 A Tribute of Friendship to the Memory of Samuel Sloan, by Rev.
Walter Thompson, S.T.D., privately printed, 1907.

298 The History of St . P hilly' s Church

lying consciousness of the seriousness of life, and an
understanding acceptance of its responsibilities. He
was in the fullest sense and meaning of the word a
completely efficient man. True, he never held
public office and seemed to eschew public recognition.
I apprehend, however, this was because his conception
of life and its obligations was too high for the under-
standing of those who controlled public gifts of
office and preferment. Charles de Rham always
stood for the highest and best things in Church and
State. He held the highest views of duty to God,
to family, and to civic life. He could not, (it would
have been both repugnant and abhorrent to his na-
ture,) lower his conception of duty to meet the exi-
gencies of the political world. And so he stood
apart, as of necessity, the best men in our American
world are forced to stand apart. And I believe that
by so standing apart they exert a wider and a
greater influence in the community in which they
dwell. For men always, and everywhere, of neces-
sity, such is their nature that they cannot do other-
wise, look up to the man who stands above the crowd.
Such a one was Charles de Rham. He stood for the
best American traditions of refinement and culture.
The dominant factor in his life was simplicity. Any-
thing artificial, and any form of affectation, met with
his unexpressed, but well merited contempt. So, in
a changing civilization, and with lowered standards
of social life he always remained fixed and unchanging
and unchangeable, in his loyalty to the customs of
the elder generation. His was the mental habit of
the wise men of the period before the civil war. They
were intensely devoted to their families, and felt to the
very depths of their being parental obligation. Parent-
hood brought with it the most fundamental of human
obligations, the care and upbringing of the generation
to follow their own. In the home, and all that is im-

CHARLES de RHAM

Vestryman, 1874-1894
Church Warden, 1894-1909

Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Philip's £99

plied in the name, was found the object of his care and
abiding solicitude. To the young man of today the
idea seems obsolete but to the man of that day, and
to the views which controlled the purposes and ob-
jects of their lives, the young of this day and genera-
tion owe absolutely everything that gives them out-
standing advantage in their world.

For more than seventy years Charles de Rham oc-
cupied the same home in the Highland Hills. His life
touched with gracious and courtly influence five
generations, and if, as Matthew Arnold said, "con-
duct is three-fourths of life," what an example of life
and conduct he has left all those who remain!1

The following tribute stands on the Vestry records:

Trained from childhood in the Church, Charles de
Rham was a sincere and devout Christian, and adorned
in his daily life the doctrine of God in Christ.
Regular in his attendance on the services and sacra-
ments of the Church, he was a generous contributor,
a faithful member of the Vestry, and a wise counsellor
in the temporal concerns of the parish. His useful
and honored life was prolonged beyond the allotted
span, but his eye was not dim, nor his natural strength
abated. The hoary head was a crown of glory. To
the last he retained his sunny disposition, and his
characteristic keen and kindly interest alike in the
affairs of the Church and the world.

Followed by the affection of all who knew him
he was, at the age of eighty-seven, gathered unto his
fathers, having the testimony of a good conscience;
in the communion of the catholic church; in the con-
fidence of a certain faith, and in perfect charity with
the world.

1 A Commemoration of the Faithful, by Walter Thompson, D.D.,
1910.

300 The History of St. Philip's Church

VESTRYMEN.

The senior Vestryman of the new parish was
DANIEL HAIGHT (Warden 1800-7; 1808-16; Ves-
tryman 1795-80; 1820-42), who was first elected to the
Vestry of the United Churches in 1795, and served in one
capacity or the other for forty-two years. He came of
one of the oldest families in this part of the State, being
descended from the Haights of Dorchester, England.

The name is variously spelled, and in the tax records of
Dutchess county for 1772 he appears as Daniel "Hyatt."
Daniel was a general merchant and also the keeper of a
famous tavern on the road between Peekskill and Fish-
kill; it was a frequent house of call for General George
Washington on his military journeys through the High-
lands. Born on October 17th, 1753, he died September
1st, 1842, and was interred in St. Philip's churchyard.

HENRY CASIMIR de RHAM (1836-1847; 1864-74)
was elected a Vestryman four years before the division
of the parish and served for eleven years. Elected again
in 1864, he rounded out twenty-one years' service. Born
at Giez, near Yverdon, Switzerland, on July 17th, 1785, he
was the son of Johann Wilhden de Rham, who married
Anne, daughter of Sir James Kinloch, Bart., of Gilmerton,
Scotland. Mr. de Rham came to America about 1806,
and took to wife Maria Teresa, daughter of Dr. William
Moore, brother of the second Bishop of the diocese of New
York. He became one of the most respected and influen-

HENRY CASIMIR de RHAM
Vestryman, 1836-1847; 1864-1871.

Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Philip's 301

tial merchants and bankers in the city of New York, his
first place of business being 79 Washington Street. His
private residence was at 60 Greenwich Street, from which
he moved to Park Place, and his country home was at
the foot of Forty-second Street. Mr. de Rham was a true
patriot. In 1813 Congress authorized a loan of sixteen
million dollars to meet the expense of the war with Eng-
land. The attempt to float the loan was a failure until
a few merchants of New York, headed by Jacob Barker,
opened a subscription list, to which Mr. de Rham sub-
scribed $32,500. * In the year 1834 he purchased the
property in the Highlands on which the Davenport farm
formerly stood, and identified himself with St. Philip's.
The de Rhams are the oldest family in continuous resi-
dence in the parish, and the heads of the family for three
successive generations have served on the Vestry. Mr.
de Rham died in 1874 and was buried in the churchyard
of St. Mark's in the Bowery, New York.

RICHARD DEAN ARDEN (1840-57) the son of
James Arden by his wife, Eliza Dean, was born in New
York on the 12th of September, 1777. He came to live
in the Highlands about 1819, and resided at "Ardenia,"
the homestead built but never occupied by William
Henderson, a son-in-law of Mr. Denning, and there he
spent the remainder of his long life. He was a fine
specimen of a country gentleman of the old school, an
excellent shot, an ardent sportsman, abstemious and
given to hospitality. By his marriage on September
17th, 1806, to Jane de Peyster, he became connected
with one of the best known New York families. He was

1 Barrett, Old Merchants of New York, p. 330.

302 The History of St. Philip's Church

a staunch supporter of the Church and the connection of
the Ardens — father and son — with the Vestry of St.
Philip's covered a period of nearly sixty years. He died
at the ripe old age of eighty-eight on July 17th, 1865, and
is buried in the family plot in the churchyard.

CORNELIUS NELSON (1802; 1811-29; 1836-41)
was a member of the Vestry for a quarter of a century.
The fourth son of Justus, he was born February 25th,
1758. He married Chloe, daughter of Nicholas Budd,
and died January 3rd, 1841. He is buried in St. Philip's
churchyard.

JUSTUS NELSON, 2nd (1840-41), was a brother of
Cornelius, and a son of Justus by his second wife, Phoebe
Budd. He was born March 17th, 1780, and died Decem-
ber 17th, 1851.

CORNELIUS NELSON, JR. (1841-2), was a son of
Mephiboseth Nelson, a member of the Vestry in 1812.
He was born on Christmas Day, 1780, and on February
26th, 1812, was married to Charity Jeacox by the Rev.
John Urquhart, who thus records the marriage:

Married on Wednesday the 26th Feby, 1812, before
several witnesses at the house of Jeacox in the High-
lands, Cornelius Nelson and Charity Jeacox.

He served in the War of 1812 and rose to the rank of
Lieutenant-Colonel in the Militia. About 1850 he
removed from the parish and died at Scotch Plains, New
Jersey, on November 25th, 1855.

CYRUS GAY (1841-2) was a small farmer and lived
in what is now the house now owned by Walter Turner
at Forsonville. He is said to be buried at Putnam Valley.

RICHARD DEAN ARDEN

Vestryman, 1840-1857

Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Philip's 303

GEORGE HAIGHT (1842-44) was a son of Daniel
and succeeded his father on the Vestry. He married
Chloe, daughter of Elisha Covert.

PETER BROSS (1842-44), confirmed in St. Philip's
Church in 1847 by Bishop Onderdonk, was by trade a
cooper, but, in the season, an expert shad-fisher. His
workshop stood near the Hudson River and north of
the Brook Kedron.

SAMUEL MANGAN WARBURTON GOUVER-
NEUR (1844-52; 1864-76) served on the Vestry for
twenty years. He was a son of Samuel Gouverneur,
first Warden of the parish, and a brother of Frederick
Philipse. He was born on September 9th, 1807. A
man of leisure, he devoted much time and money to the
laying out of the churchyard after the erection of the new
church, for which service he received the special thanks
of the Vestry. Mr. Gouverneur died on December 21st,
1876, and the Vestry thus expressed their sorrow at the
death of their "friend and f ellow-officer :"

We hereby express our heartfelt sense of the great
loss we have sustained as a parish and community
in the decease of one whose ever genial courtesy and
considerate Christian character had endeared him
through a long life of trust and responsibility to all
ages and conditions about him. No one could be
more missed from a region to whose interests he was
bound by every tie of family, fortune and affection.

CHRISTOPHER HAIGHT (1847), born March 16th,
1776, married Sarah, daughter of Pheanas Nelson. He
lived on the Philipse estate and died September 15th,
1854, aged 78 years. He is buried in the churchyard.

304 The History of St. Philip's Church

ADOLPHUS NATHANIEL GOUVERNEUR

(1852-3) was one of three brothers who, in addition to
their father, served on the Vestry. He was the second
son of Samuel Gouverneur and was born on September
29th, 1805. He married Elizabeth Georgiana Gill, and
died on the 28th day of August, 1853.

JOHN HOPPER (1852-3) was confirmed in St.
Philip's Church by Bishop Carlton Chase in 1852. He
was by trade a shoemaker and lived near the river. He
afterwards removed to a house on the Turnpike road,
where he died.

About the middle of the nineteenth century a group
of new men began to settle in the Highlands. Most of
them were strong Churchmen and they served the parish
with great fidelity. The Livingstons settled here about
1848, and four years later they were followed by RICH-
ARD UPJOHN (1852-78). Shortly after came William
H. Osborn, Hamilton Fish and Samuel Sloan. They
came just in time to take up the work of the Gouver-
neurs and the Moores. Born in 1802, Mr. Upjohn's
mother was the daughter of the Rev. Richard Michell,
Vicar of St. James, Shaftesbury, in the county of Dorset,
England. He was a distinguished architect, and among
the many noble and enduring monuments to his genius
is Trinity Church, New York. On coming to Garrison
he purchased the historic house of Jacob Mandeville
at the "Four Corners," where the first Church services
were held in 1770. He was the architect of the present
parish church. Mr. Upjohn died on August 17th, 1878,
in the seventy-seventh year of his age, greatly mourned
by all his associates in parochial work. He rests under

Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Philip's 305

the shadow of the church he designed. On his death
the Vestry adopted the following minute:

We, the Rector, Wardens and Vestrymen of S.
Philip's Church in the Highlands, place on record our
high appreciation of his character and ability, and
our sense of the great loss which the Church in gen-
eral and ourselves particularly have sustained in his
decease. His long residence and warm interest in our
parish (the present church of which was designed by
him as a labor of love) and the marked consistency
of his Christian life and example, demand this tribute
of affection to our departed brother, as well as our
unfeigned gratitude unto Almighty God.

WILLIAM DOMINICK GARRISON (1863-4;
1868-9), a grandson of Harry, and the eighth child of
Judge John Garrison, was born at the Highland House on
September 10th, 1838. With his election to the Vestry
in 1863, father, son and grandson had sat on the Vestry
for eighty-nine years. For three years William D. kept
a country store in the parish, and for a time was a farmer
at Plainfield, N. J., where he married on February 10th,
1863, Emma Louise Taylor. In 1866, with his brother
George, he opened the far famed " Highland House,'' where
the late Bishop Henry Codman Potter for some years
brought his candidates for their pre-ordination retreat.
Mr. Garrison afterward became one of the best known
hotel men in the city of New York. He died on Decem-
ber 6th, 1892, and is buried in the churchyard.

GEORGE MILLER (1863-4), a member of the Vestry
representing St. James' Chapel, was the son of Justus
and Susan Miller of Highland Falls. He settled at High-
land Station, now Manitou, as a farmer and for several

306 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

years was Sexton of the Chapel. His first wife was Au-
gusta Nelson; his second, Eliza I. Lounsberry. He died
on the 24th of December, 1902, and was interred in the
Hillside Cemetery, Peekskill.

NATHANIEL F. MOORE, LL.D., D. C. L. (1865-72)
was a brother of William Moore, and a notable figure in
the academic world. Born on Christmas Day, 1782, he
was a son of Dr. William Moore, for forty years one of
the leading physicians in the City of New York. Mr.
Moore graduated from Columbia in 1802, and studied
law in the office of Beverly Robinson, a grandson of the
first Warden of this parish. He was admitted to the Bar
in 1805. Twelve years later he became adjunct Profes-
sor of Greek and Latin at Columbia, and from 1842 to
1849 he served as president of the college.1 The years
of his retirement he spent in this parish, of which he was
a devoted communicant and a generous helper. He died
at the "Highland Grange" on the 27th day of April, 1872,
in his ninetieth year, and was buried in the churchyard
of St. Mark's in the Bowery, New York. On the occa-
sion of his death the following minute was entered upon
the records of the Vestry:

Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God to take
out of this world the soul of our deceased eminent
brother, Nathaniel F. Moore, LL. D.

Resolved: That in the departure of this venerable
and learned man our Church of which he was for
many years a Communicant, has met with a great loss
worthy of continued remembrance.

1 A Memorial Discourse of Nathaniel Fish Moore, LL. D., by
Rev. B. I. Haight, S.T.D., LL.D., 1874.

Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Philips 307

Resolved: That we hereby record our thanks to
God and honor to Dr. Moore's memory in calling
up numerous Christian acts of his life thereby
affording in so eminent a degree a suggestive example
to the world.

GEORGE E. MOORE (1865-7) resided but a few
years in the parish, living in what is now the Allen home-
stead, which he built. He was a man of frail health,
and for that reason came to the Highlands from New
York. An artist of no mean ability, he executed the
pencil drawing of the old Church which is reproduced
in this volume. He died at Garrison on July 24th, 1867,
in the thirty-fourth year of his age and rests in Greenwood
Cemetery.

GENERAL JAMES F. HALL (1867-77), who was
born in New York City February 1st, 1822, came to re-
side in the Highlands in later life because of its proximity
to West Point where he had many military friends.
Although engaged in business as a music publisher, he
took a deep interest in military affairs, serving on the
staff of his father, General William E. Hall, who com-
manded the second Brigade of the New York National
Guard. At the outbreak of the Civil War he was largely
instrumental in raising the 1st New York Volunteer
Engineers, which was mustered into service on October
10th, 1861, and of which he was gazetted Major. Much
active service fell to his lot. He took part in the capture
of Port Royal, Fort Pulaski, Morris Island, and the rights
of Pocotalico and Olustee. He was with Sherman in the
operations against Savannah and Charleston and served
under Grant in the closing scenes of the War. In these
numerous engagements Mr. Hall was distinguished for

308 The History of St. Philip's Church

great personal bravery, and was several times mentioned
in dispatches. For "gallant and meritorious conduct"
before Fort Sumter he was awarded a medal. Early in
1864 he became Brigadier-General, which rank was
afterwards confirmed by the United States Senate.

His eldest son, William E. Hall, served as a Lieutenant
on General Gilmore's staff, and his father, General Wil-
liam E. Hall, was also in the service for a short time, so
that three generations were at the front during the Civil
War. At the close of the rebellion he entered the cus-
toms service, and was Assistant Appraiser, Port of New
York. Removing to Tarry town about 1877 he became
a Vestryman of Christ Church, died on January 9th,
1884, and was interred in the family vault in Greenwood
Cemetery. On the death of his wife in 1903, his body
was removed to Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where it now
rests.

WILLIAM S. LIVINGSTON (1875-91) came of
Scotch ancestors, who were driven from Scotland by
religious persecution and took refuge in Holland, from
which country later descendants emigrated to America.
He was a son of Francis Armstrong Livingston and was
born in Rhinebeck on the 10th of January, 1823. He
married on November 13th, 1847, Susan Livingston
Armstrong of Trenton, N. J., and his second wife, whom
he married on the 28th of March, 1889, was Emily
Augusta Green, widow of William Blackwell. Settling
in Garrison in the year 1848, he served on the Vestry
for sixteen years, and dying in New York on December
30th, 1891, was buried in St. Philip's churchyard.

Although WILLIAM HENRY OSBORN (1877-8)
only served on the Vestry for one year he was a steadfast

Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Philip *s 309

friend of the parish. He was born of New England par-
entage at Salem, Massachusetts, on December 21st, 1820,
Eight fruitful years were spent at Manila, in the Philip-
pine Islands, as a partner in an East India firm. Re-
turning to New York about 1850, he married two years
later Virginia, daughter of Jonathan Sturges, one of the
leading merchants and philanthropists of New York City.
On August 11th, 1854, Mr. Osborn was elected a Director
of the Illinois Central Railroad, and filled that office for
twenty-three years. On December 1st, 1855, he became
president of the company and retained that office until
July 11th, 1865. He continued as a director until 1877.
In one capacity or the other he was a commanding in-
fluence in the Illinois Central for nearly thirty years.
His management was "characterized by prudence and
consideration, remarkable skill and executive ability,
firm and unceasing devotion to the interest of the com-
pany, indomitable will and courage, and above all, strict
integrity of purpose."1 In 1857 Mr. Osborn became a
resident landowner in Garrison, and from that time until
his death was actively interested in the welfare of the
community, being in all his service aided by his wife, to
whose cherished memory a beautiful memorial altar now
stands in the church. He died on March 2nd, 1894, aged
seventy-four, and is buried in the churchyard.

FRANCIS ARMSTRONG LIVINGSTON (1880-5)
was born on July 2nd, 1824, and, with his brother, Wil-
liam, settled in Garrison about 1848. On the 8th of
October, 1848, he was married in the Church of the

1 Historical sketch Illinois Central Railroad. W. K. Ackerman,
pp. 62-8.

310 The History of St. Philip's Church

Ascension, New York, to Sarah Jane, daughter of Richard
Dean Arden. In 1860 he came into possession of the
riverside section of the South Farm where he resided
until his death, which took place on Thursday, November
29th, 1894. He is buried in St. Philip's Churchyard.

JOHN M. TOUCEY (1890-1898) was a man of con-
siderable prominence in the railroad world, winning his
way from the position of brakeman to that of general
manager of the New York Central system. For six
years he served as Treasurer of the parish. In 1895 he
presented to the church a fine two-manual organ "in
filial devotion to the memory of Harriet Toucey and
Emeline Butler Atwater," and only five days before his
death he conveyed $5,000 in trust for its maintenance.
He died on September 26th, 1898.

JOHN H. ISELIN (1890-3) served on the Vestry for
three years. The son of John A. Iselin, he was born in
the city of New York on September 15th, 1843. He
came to reside in the Highlands through his marriage to
Mary, daughter of Adolphus Nathaniel Gouverneur.
He died at "Eagles Rest" on the 13th of July, 1895, and
was buried in St. Philip's churchyard.

CHAPTER XI.

THE GLEBE FARM.

WHEN the Rev. John Doty was called as the
first Rector of the United Churches in 1770,
the problem of his support was a very mater-
ial one. There were no parochial endowments and no
pew rents. The parish adopted what was then — outside
of Virginia — the general custom of subscriptions, to
which was added a parsonage house and glebe. This
afforded a permanent abode for the Rectors and some
additional income from the land.

That from the outset the Vestry had in mind the ac-
quisition of a glebe farm is evidenced in an extract from
a letter addressed to the Society for the Propagation of the
Gospel in the year 1770. The letter, which is signed by the
Wardens, says, " We can assure the Venerable Society that
from the generous offer of Mr. Beverly Robinson, we have
the hopes of a very good glebe provided within the year."1

An unknown writer of 1813 tells us that "The late
Beverly Robinson Esq., having a wish to make the Es-
tablishment permanent, took Mr. Doty and his wife into
his own family until a Parsonage House and a Glebe
could be furnished for a settled clergyman, and Mr.
Robinson made a present to the Corporation of a farm
of land lying on the then Post Road, and belonging to his
estate, containing upwards of two hundred acres, and,

1 Hawk's Fulham Archives.

312 The History of St. Philip's Church

with the aid of a subscription, built a good house thereon,
to which Mr. Doty removed."1

The glebe farm was the nearest land in Beverly Rob-
inson's possession to St. Peter's Church, on the manor of
Cortlandt. It contained some two hundred acres, lying
on both sides of the King's Highway, now known as the
Albany Post Road, in what was the southeasterly corner
of Beverly Robinson's Water Lot, Number One, and in
what is the southeasterly corner of Philipstown in Put-
nam County. Its southerly boundary ran for a mile
along the line which separated the Philipse Patent from
the Manor of Cortlandt, which line now divides Putnam
County from Westchester, and extended two chains to the
westward of Canopus or Sprout's Creek.

The Catskill Aqueduct, now being built by the City of
New York, crosses the line between Westchester and
Putnam Counties at a point four and one-half miles to the
eastward of the Hudson River, on land adjoining the
easterly bounds of the glebe.

The Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Peter's, Peekskill
and St. Philip's Chapel in the Highlands, sold at auction
and conveyed the glebe farm to David McCoy on April
1st, 1839, for $5,001. Mr. McCoy died on February
27th, 1872. Through a partition suit, the property
passed, March 17th, 1890, to his son, Nelson McCoy,
who, having mortgaged it to William L. Todd to secure
a loan of $1,600, died March 14th, 1896. On the first of
November following Mr. Todd began proceedings to
foreclose and, being put in possession by a referee's deed,
dated April 13th, 1897, conveyed the property to Smith

1 Hobart MSS.

The Glebe Farm 313

Lent on May 1st, 1897. The title has since passed in
succession to the Fidelity & Deposit Company of Mary-
land, to Warren S. Jordan, to Cornelius J. Curtin and at
last accounts was vested in Lowell M. Palmer. Most
of the land lies on the westerly slope of Cat Hill and
commands a fine view of a rugged wooded country.
"The McCoy House" is the most southerly building
on the Post Road in Putnam County, and stands on
the west side of that road a short distance north of the
fifty-one mile stone from New York.1 The parsonage,
therefore, was about one mile and a half to the north of
old St. Peter's Church, and about six miles to the south-
east of St. Philip's, between which a highway (the old
Peekskill-West Point road) had been opened before the
Revolutionary War. Immediately to the north of the
glebe, but in the valley of Sprout's Creek, lay the Conti-
nental Village, which became, during that War, an im-
portant strategic point and depot of supplies for the Con-
tinental Army. It is repeatedly referred to by Major-
General William Heath in his Memoirs as "the village."

Singularly enough the name "Glebe Farm" has per-
sisted until very recently in all the conveyances, although
it is more than a century since any of the Rectors have
lived thereon. So also the county maps as lately as 1867
describe the farm as "The Parsonage."

At the time the glebe was given to the parish it was in
the possession of Ebenezer Jones, from whom the Vestry
purchased the "improvements." The land secured, the
Vestry set about the erection of a parsonage, and at the

1 Since writing the above the "McCoy House" has been destroyed
by fire.

314 The History of St. Philip' s C hurch

meeting of March 23rd, 1772, it was "unanimously agreed
to go and build Mr. Doty a house." It was also "agreed
with Jerediah Frost to git the timber, draw the same the
boards and other Meteralls which he may want for the
said house. To do all the Carpenters and Joyners work
and paint and glaze the same for Seventy five pounds."

The house was locally known as "the yellow house."
In July it was "Ordere that Mr Dan Birdsall Call upon
those persons for the money they have Prom to give
Towards Building Mr Doty's house and to account for
the same when Required thirto." Three months later,
at a Vestry meeting, "it was unanimously resolved to
Build a Citchen and Piazor adjoining to Mr Doty's house
on the North side, and the following persons say Dan
Birdsall, John Johnson, Joshua Nelson, David Penoyer
and Caleb Morgan have agreed with Jerediah Frost and
David Penoyer to Do the carpenter work and have each
of them promised there payment." The work was evi-
dently somewhat delayed for the following July it was
" ordered that Dan Birdsall Do Employ a person to finish
the Piazor of Mr Dotys house."

Scarcely was the parsonage house complete and the
Rector settled therein when trouble began, evidenced by
a document in the author's possession in the handwriting
of Colonel Beverly Robinson, senior Warden of the
parish. It runs as follows:

ADVERTISEMENT.

To Be Sold at Publick Vandue on Saturday ye
Seventeenth day of December next at the house of
John Mandivell in Peekskill to the highest Bidder,
A farm in Dutchess County adjacent to the Mannor

j?dv&r&m£/n£

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**£$t/ <£,//< tttn /X) s<>*/4a„ ;7^;j/Asjj£<frAA//?c *j1&. /~2'<J'"

ANNOUNCEMENT OF VANDUE OF GLEBE FARM

1774

The Glebe Farm 315

of Cortlandt whereon ye Revd Mr. John Doty lately
lived containing two hundred and two Acres of land,
great part of which is cleared & fitt for Croping;
there is on said land a very good Dwelling house two
story high with two rooms & a large Entry below, and
three rooms and an Entry above, fire places in four
of ye rooms, and a good Kitchen Joining the house & a
well near ye same, also a good bearing Apple Orchard;

The Conditions of sale are as follows: The pos-
session of the premises will be delivered on the first
day of April next when a good & Sufficient Deed with
an indisputable title will be given by ye Subscriber, for
and on consideration of one third of purchase money
being paid at that time, one other third to be paid on
or before ye first day of December, 1775, & the other
third on or before the first day of December, 1776,
Bond & Mortgage on ye premises to be given as secur-
ity for the two last payments. If the highest bidder to
whom the farm is struck off too does not comply with
these conditions, the said farm is to be sett up again
on the said first day of April next, and if it should sell
for more than it was struck off to him for, he is to
have no advantage from ye second sale, but if it should
sell for less, he must make up the deficiency.

Any person inclinible to View ye said farm before
ye Day of Sale may be showed the same by Applying
to Daniel Haight living on the premises, or by Syl-
vanus Haight at my Mills near the same.

The Vandue to begin at Eleven O Clock in the
forenoon of the day above Mentioned.

Highlands Oct 28th, 1774.

Bev. Robinson.

Unquestionably this notice of sale refers to the parochial
glebe farm. We know from other reliable sources that
the property, whilst given, had not been legally conveyed
to the Corporation. Technically, therefore, it was still

316 The History of St. Philip9 s C hurch

the property of Robinson. When we call to mind the
events of the day it is not difficult to conjecture a reason
for this step. The political difficulties with England
were becoming acute; the Rector had moved away from
the parish and presumably the two churches were closed.
It will be remembered that the glebe was given on con-
dition that "the Vestry purchased the improvements and
built a Parsonage House thereon." At the date of the
Vandue those conditions had not been complied with and
the money had been advanced by Daniel Birdsall. It is
reasonable to conjecture that Mr. Robinson's motive in
announcing the sale was to induce the Vestry either to
meet their obligations and secure title to the property or
else to abandon their claim. This conjecture is strength-
ened by three affidavits, made some years later, and which
have recently been discovered amongst the Van Cort-
landt family papers. They are as follows:

Westchester Personally appeared before me Elijah Lee one
County. of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said

County Daniel Birdsall and being Duly
Sworn Deposeth and Saith that Beverly
Roberson and Susannah Roberson (his Wife)
objections for not given a Deed for the Par-
sonage belonging to the United Episcopal
Churches of St. Peter's Church at Peeks Kill
and St. Phillip's Chappel in the Highlands;
was* that the Congregations was indebted to
the Said Daniel Birdsall and that they was
willing at any time to give a title whenever
the Incumbrances was Discharged from
said Glebe.

Peeks Kill Febr 16th, 1792.

DanLL Birdsall
Elijah Lee Justice of the Peace.

3 ^ *

^ ^ ^

... 9%

^ C5

Ph
W

The Glebe Farm

317

Westchester Personally appeared before me Elijah Lee
County. one of the Justises of the peace in and for

the Said County Joshua Nelson and being
Duly Sworn Deposeth and Saith that
Beverly Roberson and Susannah Robber-
sons (his wife) objections for not given a
deed for the Parsonage belonging to the
United Episcopal Churches St. Peter's
Church at Peeks Kill and St. Phillips Chap-
pel in the highlands; was, that the Congre-
gations was indebted to Daniel Birdsall and
that I have Repeatedly heard them say
that they would give a title whenever the
Incumbrances was Discharged from Said
Gleebe.

Peeksk Kill Febry 16th, 1792.

Joshua Nelson.
Elijah Lee Justise of the Peace.

Westchester Personally appeared before me Elijah Lee
County. Justice of the Peace in and for the Said

County Silvanus Haight and being Duly
Sworn Deposeth and Saith that he was one
of the Chain Bearers on a Survey of the
Parsonage belonging to the United Episcopal
Churches Sa* Peters Church at Peeks Kill
and S* Phillips Chappel in the highlands
and at a place of Resting I heard Beverly
Roberson Esqr Say as soon as the Congre-
gations Cleared of the Incumbrances on
Said Gleeb he was ready and willing to give
a deed for the Same.

Peeks Kill Feby 16th, 1792.

Silvanus haight.
Elijah Lee, Justice of the Peace.

The aforesaid testimony was given by men who were
thoroughly familiar with the facts. All were members of

318 The History of St. P hilip9 s C hur ch

the Vestry at the time they made the affidavits, and
Joshua Nelson and Daniel Birdsall had been on the Ves-
try when the glebe was originally given. Their united tes-
timony makes it perfectly clear that there was no disposi-
tion on the part of Beverly Robinson to withdraw his gift,
but that on fulfillment of the conditions freely accepted
by the Vestry, he stood ready to make a legal transfer
of the property. Whether the vandue actually took
place history sayeth not, but there is ample evidence that
the farm remained in possession of the Vestry "until the
service of the country demanded them to yield the same
for public use." The unknown writer of 1813 says "The
grantor having delayed executing a Deed, this farm, with
the whole of Mr. and Mrs. Robinson's estate, became
vested in the People of the State of New York."1

Before, however, the glebe passed into the hands of the
Commissioners of Forfeiture the parish made a serious
effort to raise the money necessary to clear the "In-
cumbrances" and secure title. Amongst the Van Cort-
landt papers there has recently been discovered the
original Statement and Appeal which was issued for that
purpose, and, by the courtesy of Miss Van Cortlandt,
we are enabled to reproduce it :

Whearas the Inhabitants on the Manor of Cort-
landt have at great Expence Built a Church near
Peeks Kill called S. Peter's Church, And the Inhab-
itants of Philip's Patent have also at great Expence
built another Church in the Highlands called S.
Philip's Chaple, both on the Establishment of the
Church of England, And whearas the Inhabitants of
both places are in general very poor and have Exerted

1 Hobart MSS.

<?"

i*~.

AFFIDAVITS CONCERNING THE GLEBE FARM, 1792

The Glebe Farm

319

themselves to the utmost of their abilities in building
the said Churches, and therefore unable to purchase
a Glebe & to build a house for a minister to officiate
at said Churches Therefore this Subscription is put
on foot Humbly requesting the Assistance of all
Benevolent and well disposed persons to Enable
them to purchase a farm and Build a house to remain
as a Glebe for the use of the said Churches for ever;
We the Subscribers hereto in Order to assist so Char-
itable & Religious a design, do hereby promise &
Oblige ourselves to pay or Cause to be paid unto
Captn Jeremiah Drake the Several Sums Affixed to
our Names on or before the first Day of November
Next. As Witness our hands this 12th Day of
April, 1774.

Daniel Hatfield

10.

I Promise Pay Teen Pond
for the Farm if cleared
Paid for ysue of Church.

Thomas Pen

Jeremiah Drake 10.

Dennis Kennedy

Dan11 Birdsall

If in the Country the

Caleb Ward

4th of Nov. I promise to

pay — Jos. Lyman

Peter Drake

John Hussey

Robert Galer

John Ogden

Elezaor Read

Joseph Strang Jr

Abraham Mabe

Jacob Huchins

Caleb Morgan

John McCoy

Peter Muggiford

Daniel Strang

10.

Silvanus Hyatt

10.

Roger Barten

John Mandevill

10.

Roger Bissell

Gilbert Lockwood

Andveis Miller

Peter Corne(y)

Peter Miller

John Jones

Jas. Hatfield Jr

15.

Isaac Poyner

Walter Dobbs Jr

Joseph Legroot

Isaac Hatfield

320 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

And over the leaf of the subscription paper is this note:

Nov. 4th, 1774 henry purdy promised Daniel
Birdsall that he Would pay 40 shillings if the Money
could be made up or the Affair of the Glebe any
Way Settled.

This interesting document, nearly a century and a half
old, is of surpassing historic interest. The appeal is in
the handwriting of Colonel Beverly Robinson, and it con-
tains the autographs of Jeremiah Drake, his co-warden,
Daniel Birdsall, Peter Drake, Peter Corney and Caleb
Ward, Vestrymen of that year, as well as Caleb Morgan,
also a Vestryman at an early period. On the day of its
issue — April 12th, 1774 — there was held a meeting of the
Vestry at which there were present :

Capt. Jeremiah Drake, Warden

Caleb Ward

Joshua Nelson

Peter Drake

Dan11 Birdsall Vestry

Before the meeting Beverly Robinson had doubtless
drawn up two copies of the Statement and Appeal, one
for Peekskill and one for the Highlands, and, as he could
not attend, had sent them to the meeting in charge of
Joshua Nelson, who was one of his tenants. It was
adopted by the Vestry, and the subscription list opened
by Jeremiah Drake for ten pounds, followed by Daniel
Birdsall for a like sum, Caleb Ward for five and Peter
Drake for two pounds. Peter Corney, not present at
the meeting, added later five pounds.

It will be observed that no names from the Highlands
appear upon this document. A separate list was circu-

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A PAROCHIAL APPEAL AND SUBSCRIPTION LIST
1774

The Glebe Farm 321

lated for that section of the parish, which, unhappily,
has not come to light.

The list thus started by members of the Vestry, pro-
vision for a thorough parochial canvas was made in the
following resolution:

Unanimously agreed that Peter Drake is appointed
to go about amongst the Inhabitants on the manor
of Cortlandt, and Joshua Nelson amongst the Inhab-
itants of Philips Pattent and whatever they get by
Way of Subscriptions, its agreed that they shall receive
for there Trouble 7 pr C* each; it is further agreed
that Caleb Morgan assist the said Peter Drake in
regard to the Subscriptions and that Beverly Robin-
son assist said Nelson.

The total sum promised for the manor of Cortlandt
was £56.15.0 as compared with the parochial indebted-
ness to Daniel Birdsall of £260. Some additional light
has been shed on the early history of the glebe farm by
the discovery of an important letter, dated September
10th, 1795, written to the Rev. Mr. Hargill by William
Denning. He writes:

Mr Robinson to promote the establishment gave
the Corporation a farm of about 200 acres on con-
dition that they purchased the improvements and
built a house for the Rector. The improvements
were built purchased, the house built and the Rector
moved into it. This involved a debt of between three
and four hundred pounds with which the Corporation
was incumbered when the War began, and the farm
was not to be granted until the debt was paid .
. For the destruction of the timbers and fences at
the Parsonage house a sum has been received suffi-
cient to clear the Corporation of the debt incurred

322 The History of St. Philip9 s C hurch

as above mentioned, which enabled the Corporation
to apply to the Legislature for and obtain a grant of
the farm, agreeable to the original conditions.1

When the estate of Beverly Robinson was confiscated,
the glebe farm, not having been deeded to the parish,
was included, and passed to the People of the State of
New York. Influence must have been brought to bear
on the Legislature, for a special act was passed restraining
the Commissioners from including the glebe in the
general sale of the Robinson property. It was passed
25th July, 1782, 2 and the final (fifth) section read as fol-
lows:

"V. AND WHEREAS, the War-
dens and Vestry of the two Churches
at the HIGH-LANDS and PEEKS-
KILL, with sundry Inhabitants of
CORTLANDT'S Manor, by their
Memorial presented to the Legisla-
ture of this State, represented, That
in the Year One Thousand Seven
Hundred and Seventy-two, BEVER-
LY ROBINSON and SUSANNAH,
his Wife, tendered to convey to the
said Wardens and Vestry, the Farm
then in Possession of EBENEZER
JONES, near Continental Village,
containing two Hundred Acres, for
the Purpose of a Parsonage and
Glebe: That the Memorialists, in
Consequence of such Tender, pur-
chased the Improvements of the said

1 Letter of William Denning preserved in the Archives of the Cor-
poration of Trinity Church.

2 Laws of State of New York, Vol. I, p. 789.

Preamble,
Setting
forth
the Pe-
tition of
Wardens and
Vestry, &c.
of two
Churches,
for a

House and
Farm at
Peek's-Kill.

The Glebe Farm

323

EBENEZER JONES, and proceed-
ed to build the House now on said
Farm, called the YELLOW-HOUSE;
that they were in Possession of the
said Farm and House, until the Ser-
vice of the Country demanded them
to yield the same for public use; BE
Said House IT ENACTED BY THE AUTHOR-
and Farm not ITY AFORESAID, That it shall not
to be dis- be lawful for the Commissioners of

posed of Forfeitures, of the Middle District

til further of this State, to sell or dispose of the

Order of the said House and Farm; nor the Corn-
Legislature, missioners of Sequestration to let or
demise the same, until the Legisla-
ture shall specially order the same;
and that the said Wardens and Ves-
try shall and may occupy, possess,
and enjoy the said Premises until
such further Order shall be made."

The first Vestry meeting after the War of the Revolu-
tion was held on Easter Monday, April 5th, 1790. After
the election of Wardens and Vestrymen steps were taken
to piece together the broken threads of parochial life.
In 1784 the Legislature of the State of New York passed
an "Act to enable all the Religious denominations in the
State to appoint Trustees who shall be a Body Corpo-
rate for the purpose of taking care of the temporalities
of their respective congregations and other purposes."
Availing themselves of this provision St. Peter's and St.
Philip's became a corporation on the 22nd of December,
1791.

Duly incorporated, and provided with a minister, the
necessity of securing a legal title to the glebe and parson-

324 The History of St, Philip9 s Chur ch

age was apparent, and the Vestry set itself to the task of
paying off the incumbrances. At a meeting held on
March 31st, 1792, they

Then did Examine the Accts of Mr Dan1 Birdsall
and find Due to him Exclusive of his Improvements
on the Gleb Farm to amount to £257-9-5 & Did Ap-
point John Jones and Isaac Devenport to Inspect and
Judge the Improvements that the said Dan1 Birdsall
have put upon the gleb.

On the 7th day of April the committee reported that
"they have brought in the sum of twenty -four pounds,
ten shillings for James Croft and two pounds ten shillings
for Dan1 Birdsall." The Vestry proceeded at once to
liquidate these amounts, and their so doing is thus re-
corded in the minutes:

At a Special Meeting of the Wardens and Vestry-
men of Prot. Epis. Church on the manor of Cortlandt
Near Peeks Kill the 18th March, 1793
Present, the revd Mr Andrew Fowler

Mr Caleb Ward Warden

Caleb Morgan

Salvenus Haight

Isaac Devenport

Jarvis Dusenbury Vestrymen
Proceeded to business, and a Settlement being made
with Mr Dan1 Birdsall, he gave the Vestry the
Following receit in full to the Present Day — Viz

Peeks Kill in Cortlandt Town,
the 18th March 1793, then received of the
Church Wardens and Vestrymen of the prot-
estant Episcopal Church in Cortlandt Town,
the Sum of two Hundred and Eighty Four
pounds nine shillings and five pence, that
is to say, two Hundred and fifty seven

The Glebe Farm 325

pounds nine shillings and five exclusive
of my Improvements and also twenty four
pounds ten shillings for James Crofts
improvements, and two pounds ten shillings
for my own improvements; In full of all
Debts, Dues, or Demands of what name or
Nature soever, upon the Glebe belonging
to the Churches aforesaid, & moreover I
Do hereby give up all Right title or
Claime that I may have upon the same,
on account of any Dues I may have therefrom

Recd by me

Dan1 Birdsall
Attested by me

Andrew Fowler.

At last the parish had fully complied with the con-
ditions laid down by the donor twenty years before, and
a petition was prepared and presented to the Legislature
praying for "a grant to the full extent of the first grant
or intention."

An unexpected difficulty intervened. * ' Some members
of the Presbyterian congregation entered a claim on the
ground that the gift was intended for both denominations,
and the grant was not obtained."1 This claim had no
foundation in fact; all the records show that it was a
gift for the United Churches at Peekskill and in the
Highlands. The parish had influential friends at Albany.
The Lieutenant-Governor and presiding officer of the
Senate was Pierre Van Cortlandt, a communicant of St.
Peter's, and the senior Warden of the parish was a mem-
ber of the lower House, and on March 27th, 1794, the
property was restored to the parish.

The Act is as follows:

1 HobartMSS.

326 The History of St. Philip's Church

An Act for granting a certain glebe to the United
Churches of St. Peter and St. Philips, passed 27th of
March, 1794 — Whereas the Commissioners of Forfeit-
ure were by law inhibited from selling the Parsonage
and Glebe near the Continentalville Village, formerly
in the possession of Ebenezer Jones; and whereas the
said Glebe was vested in the People of this State by
the attainder of Beverly Robinson, late of the County
of Dutchess, who in his lifetime promised to convey
the same to the use of the Rector, Wardens and
Vestrymen of the United Episcopal Congregations of
St. Peter's Church, now in the Town of Cortlandt, in
the County of Westchester, and St. Philip's Chapel,
in Philipstown, in County of Dutchess: Theref ore-
Be it Enacted by the People of the State of New York
represented in Senate and Assembly and it is hereby
enacted by the authority of the same, that all the
right, title and interest of the People of this State in
and to the Glebe shall be and hereby is granted to the
Trustees of the United Protestant Episcopal Churches
of St. Peter's Church, in Town of Cortlandt, and
County of Westchester, and St. Philip's Chapel, in
Philipstown, in County of Dutchess, and their suc-
cessors forever in trust for the use of the said united
congregations.

At the next Vestry meeting it was resolved:

That the thanks of this Vestry be given to Pierre
Van Cortlandt Esq. for the great pains he has taken
at the Legislature of this State to obtain a Title for
the Glebe belonging to these Churches.

The Rev. Andrew Fowler was the first occupant of the
restored Parsonage House which the Vestry agreed to
repair "as far as the funds of the Church would allow."
In 1793 it was resolved — "That a Barn shall be built on

The Glebe Farm 327

the Glebe, consisting of 22 feet in length and 20 in bredth
this summer. Voted that 200 white pine boards shall be
immediately purchased to repair the house on the Glebe."
A few weeks later at a special meeting, "The Revd Mr
Fowler acquainted the Vestry the reson of his Calling
them together at this time wars to hasten the repairs
of the house."

On the 4th day of January, 1794, the Vestry

After due Examination of the several accounts re-
specting repairing the house on the Parsonage and
building the Barn — found them standing as follows,
viz.

Due Mr. Smith Jones for Labour £38. 7. 8.

Due Mr. Fowler for boarding the

labourers
Due Mr. Jarvis Dusenbury for sundries
Due Mr. Saml. Jefferts for timber
Due Mr. Thomas Dupree for labour

Total sum due

On April 21st the Vestry

Did then settle with Mr. Jarvis Dusenbury and
Recvd the sum of £74-14-10 including the several
sums before mentioned for the repairs of the house.

From 1792 to 1840 the glebe figures largely in the min-
utes of the Vestry. When, as was so frequently the case,
there was no Rector the farm was rented by the year.
The first tenant was Daniel Haight in 1774. When the
parochial records resume in 1791 we find the farm in the
occupancy of James Croft and Daniel Birdsall, and in
March of the following year the Vestry "did appoint
John Jones and Isaac Davenport to Inspect and Judge

11.

15.

20.

10.

£72-

- 4-

-11

328 The History of St. Philip9 s C hurch

the Improvements that the said Dan Birdsall have put
on the Glebe." This committee "brought in the sum of
twenty four pounds, ten shillings for James Croft, and
two pounds, ten shillings for Danl. Birdsall."

In 1795 "Mr. Salvenus Haight, Mr. Danl. Haight
and Caleb Morgan were appointed to Inspect the Lines
and Line Fences of the Parsonage farm on the 24th day
of October, 1795 at ten o'clock of said day."

At a Vestry meeting held on March 31st, 1798,

the aforesaid Churches being Vacant as to a minis-
ter— it was thought advisable to rent out the Glebe
farm when it wars unanimously agreed that Salvenus
Haight & Caleb Morgan should be and are hearby
appointed as a Commety to Rent out the above sd
Glebe — when the sd Commety Did agree with Thomas
Hunyen1 for the sum of Thirty-five pounds for one
year; from the date thereof the said Thomas Hunyen
is to put the sd Rent in stone wall on the place Ex-
cept Six pounds which he is to pay in Cash to the
Wardens and Vestry at Expiration of the year. The
Stone Wall is to be 4 feet 8 inches high, 2 feet wide at
the bottom and Double half way up, and to be well
Done; the said Hunyen is to Draw the stone for sd
wall and make it where the sd Commety shall ap-
point— and be at 4s/ pr Rod — the sd Hunyen is
not to keep a Publick house nor suffer any to be
kept in sd house nor Dammage the house

As witness our hands the Day and Date above
written

Daniel Haight Caleb Morgan

Abram Garrison Silvanus Haight

Thomas Henyen.

1 In some old deeds this name is spelled "Hennion."

The Glebe Farm 329

In 1799 Daniel Haight was appointed

to call a Jury to apprise Damages Done to the
Parsonage Farm by Laying a Road threw The Same
and it is Further agreed that Thomas Henyon have
the use for one year, he paying Thirty-five pounds
witch sum is to be Layed out in Stone Fence on said
Farm.

The following year the farm was rented at forty pounds
to Henyen, it being stipulated

that the rent is to be put out in stone wall as yusual
at fore shilling per rod, also the said Thomas Henion
is to sow the winter grane allon the west side of the
road, also the stone fence to be made on the west side
of the Rode along were the new road is laid owt.

The Vestry was not free from difficulties with its
tenants, and in 1800

It was agreed that Harry Garrison, Joshua Lan-
caster and Benjamin Douglass Junr be a Committee
to examine the Damages Done on the Parsonage
farm and agre with Thomas Henyon for the Same
and if Mr. Henyon will not Pay what Damage they
Judg to have bin Done by him, the said Committee
are hereby otherrised to take the Steps of the Law
to collect the same.

Subsequently this Committee reported that —

After viewing the damage done on the Glebe
farm by Thomas Henyon that it is there opinion that
the sum of Ten pound Damage was Done by sd
Henyon & that the said Thomas Henyon Mentioned
to the Committee that he wanted a new Roof on the
Barn to which the Committee agreed to allow him
Six pound for that purpose out of the Ten pound

330 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

Damage as afforesaid, and that he has put on the said
Roof & there remains a ballance of Ten Dollars Due
the Wardens and Vestry of said Churches.

In 1802 Joshua Lancaster was allowed twelve shillings
"for Riting lease for the Gleeb." The same year James
Mandevill assumed the tenancy under the following con-
ditions :

First, that there shall not be more than 15 acres
of Winter Grane left on the Farm, and not more than
5 acres of Corn and 8 acres of Buckwheat sowed in
one yeare, and no wood or poles to be sold of said
farm, and that their shall be no Tavern kept or Danc-
ing allowed in said house, and that the fences shall be
left in as good repaire as he finds them, and that no
Meddowland shall be plowed, and no Cattle is to run
in the Meddow after the 20th of March in each year,
and that the Tenant shall be accountable for all dam-
magge that the house and farm shall receive by his
neglect, and the said Mandeville shall give up the
premises unto the Wardens and Vestry without trou-
ble under the penalty of one hundred dollars — the
rent to be paid in Cash at the end of the year.

Here is Thomas Henyon's account with the Vestry
when he gave up his tenancy in 1802:

Thomas Henyon to the Wardens and Vestry

April 29th

1802.
To 1 years Rent ending April, 1802 £45. 00. 0.

To damage done on the Farm by cutting

Hoop Poles— Wood 10. 16. 0.

£55. 16. 0.

The Glebe Farm 331

By repairing the Barn £6. 0. 0.
By making 27 Rods over the hundred

Rods for Rent, 5. 8. 0.

By Dan'l Haight's Note 26. 15. 0.

By Cash paid James Mandeville 17. 13. 0.

£55. 16. 0.

In addition to the farm James Mandeville was allowed
to have the pasture of the ground lying around St. Peter's
Church for twenty shillings, it being, however, stipulated
that he should not be allowed to pasture hogs on the said
land. At the close of the year his account with the Vestry
is thus recorded :

James Mandeville to the Wardens and Vestry : —

Dr.

1803

To 1 years rent of the Parsonage Farm, £35 . 0.0.
To 1 years rent of the Church land, 1 . 0.0.

To Cash received

Daniel Haight 10. 3. 0.

£46. 3. 0

By sundries for repairing the Parsonage

House, £26. 5. 10.

By Cash paid to Henry Mandeville for

Boarding men when repairing the

house, clearing meadows, and all

other services done by him 8. 14. 0.

By Cash 11. 3. 2

£46. 3. 0.

332 The History of St, Philip' s Chur ch

The following year the rent of the glebe was raised
to fifty pounds, the tenant being required to give se-
curity, and the removal of "hay or dung" from the
farm was prohibited. James Mandeville continued as
tenant of the farm for several years, and in 1822 Joshua
Nelson assumed the tenancy at one hundred dollars
per annum and "to be allowed out of his rent to put
a new roof on the Parsonage House — a pine roof of
Good short pine shingles." The following is a copy of
the lease:

An Article of Agreement and farm let to Joshua
Nelson by the Committee Harry Garrison and Daniel
Haight who ware appointed by the Wardens and
Vestry of said Church to let the Parsonage Farm for
the year 1822—

And we the said Committee do by thes presents Let
the Parsonage Farm for one year from the first day of
April, 1822, till the first day of April, 1823, for the
sum of Ninety Dollars a part of which may be paid
in Making of Stone Wall on said Farm in such place
as the Wardens and Vestry shall Direct.

And the following is the Restrictions on which
the Farm is let:

No Hay to be sold off the Farm nor any Manure off
of the said Farm on any pretence whatever but to be
used on the farm. Not more than twenty acres of
Winter Grain. Not more than the same Quantity of
acres of Summer croppes and the Meadows to be kept
in good repair, that is free from brush and in a farmer
like Mannor to be done at the expense of the said
Joshua Nelson, and no More firewood to be cut than
for the use of the family of the said Joshua Nelson
he to have the full use of all the lands of said farm for
the aforesaid term.

The Glebe Farm 333

And at that time on the first day of April, 1823, to
give up the said farm to the Wardens and Vestry or
Make a further Agreement for another year, and it
further agreed on that if the said Joshua Nelson
shall Seed any of the Land of said farm and not stay
more than one year then the Wardens and Vestry to
allow him out of his rent such sum as is right &
reasonable, but if he shall continue on said farm then
the seeding to be continued for his benefit.

As Witness to this agreement we have hereunto
set our hand and seals this 24th day of January, 1822.

Daniel Haight (Seal) Joshua Nelson (Seal)

Harry Garrison (Seal).

For some years there was an agitation to sell the glebe
farm and invest the money for the good of the parish.
As far back as 1812 "several members of the Vestry con-
curred in a scheme for selling the Glebe," but, writes a
parishoner to Bishop Hobart, "The manner of the gift
from Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, the obtaining a confirma-
tion of that gift by a Law of the State, and a certainty
of a future fund to the Churches, induced William Denning
to oppose that measure of sale, and it is sincerely to be
hoped it never will again be attempted."1

The question of the sale was however taken up seriously
in the year 1827, when the then Rector, the Rev. Edward
J. Ives, put the case to Bishop Hobart thus :

At the last parish meeting the officers of my Church
resolved to dispose of it, provided it met with your
approbation, and Judge Garrison was authorized
to address you on the subject . . . The annual
avails from the Farm do not exceed $100, and part of
this is to be appropriated to repairs on it. It will

1 Hobart MSS.

334 The History of St. Philip's Church

command (it is supposed) when offered for sale
three or four thousand dollars. Is it not best to dis-
pose of it, and invest the amount in safe and per-
manent stock in N. Y.?

On January 4th, 1828, the Vestry voted "to petition
the Chancellor for leaf to sell the farm," and one year
and a day later "agreeable to the Order of the Chancellor
of the State of New York, the Gleab was offered for sale.
Sixteen dollars, thirty seven and a half cents was offered
per acre."

The price was not deemed satisfactory and "the sale
was then adjourned until the second day of February at
2 o'clock p. m." On that day "the farm was again offered
for sale, and struck off to Joshua Nelson of Philips Town
at sixteen dollars, fifty cents per acre." A little later
this note appears in the minutes of the Vestry:

Memorandum.

Joshua Nelson to whom the Farm was struck off
at the auction afterwards became dissatisfied with the
purchase and paid the costs of obtaining the Decree of
Sale &c from the Chancellor to R. C. Cruston to be
released from the purchase which Wardens and Vestry
consented to do.

Once more, therefore, the weary round of renting was
taken up, and Christopher Haight became the tenant
at a rental of $125. For security Haight gave a bill of
sale on the hay and rye. There is preserved an inter-
esting account of Christopher Haight's dated 1829:

To Vestry for Rent. Contra. Cr.

November 12th, 1829.

To 16 boards for Barn $2-00

" 3^1b.Nales 1-04^

u James Mowetts labor at Barn 1-50

The Glebe Farm 335

To 1 doz panes of Glass

-75

a puting at Back in Chimney

1-00

" Sill under the Doar

-75

April 16th, 1830

To Cash on Rent

70-00

"16 bushels of Corn — paid to Mr Garrison

8-25

u Cash paid J. Garrison for Rent

10-00

April, 1831.

To Cash paid to Garrison

38-00

" 60 Boards at 14d per board

8-75

" lllbs.Nales

83^

u Labor by Roberson

2-50

" Drowing the 60 Boards from Peekskill

2-00

" Drowing the Ladder from Mandevills

1-00

" 1 days work by me and 2 days by Stepher

i 2-25

a 3 Rods stone Fence at one dollar per rod

3-00

$153-63

May 31st, 1831

To Cash paid John Garrison, Clerk

65-00

$218-63

How the farm passed out of the hands of the Vestry
is thus described by the late Frederick Philipse:

20th October, 1838.

By unanimous consent of all the acting members
of the Vestry, both of St. Peters and St. Philips (altho'
without any formal meeting being had) the Glebe
Farm belonging to the said Churches was sold at
Peekskill at Public Auction in pursuance of advertise-
ment, and under an authority obtained from the Court
of Chancery on the 10th of November, 1828, and
under the direction of Isaac Seymour Esq., General
Pierre Van Cortlandt and others, and was struck off
to David McCoy for the sum of $5001 that being the
highest bid for the same.

336 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

The terms of settlement were one half cash, the other
half left on bond and mortgage for twenty years at 6%.

As the parish was about to divide it was mutually
agreed that St. Peter's should receive the cash, and St.
Philip's assume the mortgage. The resolution of the
Vestry (1839) is very explicit:

Resolved, that one half of the proceeds of the said
sale to be and hereby is irevocably appropriated,
given, pledged and devoted to and for the exclusive
use and benefit of S. Philips Chapel and the atten-
dant minister and congregation hereof only — for
the advancement of Religion according to the Rites
and Doctrines of the Protestant Episcopal Church —
and to be under the exclusive direction of such of the
Church Wardens and Vestrymen of S. Peter's Church
and S. Philips Chapel, now united, as shall be resi-
dents of Philips Town, and attendant upon Divine
Worship at that Chapel.

The deed ran as follows:

Harry Garrison, Pierre Van
Cortlandt, Wardens, and S.
Gouvemeur, Cornelius Nelson,
John Garrison, Daniel Haight,
H. C. DeRham, Isaac Seymour,
Frederick Philipse, Vestrymen
of the Corporation of St. Peter's
Church in Peekskill, in the Town
of Cortlandt and County of
Westchester, and St. Philip's
Chapel, in the Highlands, in the
Town of Philips and County of
Dutchess (now Putnam)

Corporation Deed.
Dated Apl. 1, 1839.
Ack'd Feb. 3, 1840.
Rec'd Dec. 10,1851.
at 11 a.m.
Liber X., page 310.
Cons. $5001.

The Glebe Farm 337

To
David McCoy
Sold at Public Auction.

CONVEYS:

All that certain farm or tract of land situate in Phil-
ipstown aforesaid, bounded as follows; to wit:
North by land now or formerly of Isaac Lent and
James Mowatt, on the east by land now or formerly
of Isaac Lent, on the south by the Putnam County
line, until it comes to the land of Pierre Van Cort-
landt, and on the West by the lands now or formerly
of James Mowatt and James Croft. Containing
about 200 acres, be the same more or less. Being the
same premises which were granted by the people of the
State of New York to the Trustees of the United
Protestant Episcopal Church of St. Peter's Church,
in the Town of Cortlandt, in the County of West-
chester and St. Philip's Chapel, in Philipstown in the
County of Dutchess (now Putnam), and their succes-
sors forever in trust for the use of the said United
Congregations by an act of the Legislature passed
27th March 1794, and which said Trustees and their
successors were duly constituted a body corporate
under the name and style of the Corporation of St.
Peter's Church in Peekskill, in the Town of Cort-
landt and County of Westchester, and St. Philip's
Chapel, in the Highlands, in the Town of Philips and
County of Dutchess, by virtue of and under an act
of the Legislature of the State of New York passed 6th
April, 1784, entitled an act to enable all the religious
denominations in this State to appoint Trustees who
shall be a body corporate for the purpose of taking
care of the temporalities of their respective congre-
gations and for other purposes, as by reference to
the records in the Clerk's Office in the County of

338 The History of St, Philip 's Church

Westchester, Liber A of Religious Societies, page 26,
on the 22nd day of December, 1791, will more fully
appear.

In subsequent years a dispute arose between the Vestry
and McCoy, and recourse was had to the courts. The
mortgage was finally paid in 1864 and the proceeds were
invested in treasury notes.

This was not the only land owned by the Vestry. In
1806, Daniel Haight, James Mandeville and Harry
Garrison were appointed a committee of the Vestry to
purchase "a farm of real estate to the amount of the
£400 which will be advantageous for the Society to pur-
chase." The land selected adjoined the parsonage farm
and was bought from "Samuel Owens, Esq." for £500.
In area it was 34 acres, 2 roods, and 15 perches, and Mr.
Owens leased the ground for seven years at an annual
rental of £25.

That this additional land was for the purpose of en-
larging the glebe is evident from the following Minute
of the Corporation of Trinity Church:

Resolved that the further sum of £100 be granted
to the United Churches of S. Peter's and S. Philip's
towards payment for thirty-four acres of land lately
purchased as an additional Glebe, and that the sum
be paid with the £400 formerly granted for the same
purpose and upon the like conditions as are expressed
in the grant of that sum.1

In 1811 the Vestry found it necessary to sell the wood
off this lot. It was divided into five lots and sold to the
highest bidder, and the following statement is recorded
in the minutes:

1 Minutes of Trinity Corporation, August 29th, 1807, Vol. 2, p. 273.

The Gl

ebe

Farm

To share of Wood

Owens Land.

A. Cunie, No. 1

$18.00

JohnOppy, " 2

19.00

Hopper Smith, No. 3

25.12}^

Drake Conklin, " 4

25.75

Jas. Mandeville, No. 5

22.50

$110.37*^

339

The disposition of the proceeds of this sale is interest-
ing. Eighty-five dollars was paid to meet an order drawn
on the Vestry by the Rev. John Urquhart, Rector of the
parish, and twenty-two dollars and fifty cents went to
pay a "book account." Harry Garrison and Daniel
Haight were each allowed two dollars "for their two days'
services in transacting the business."

The acquisition of this property seems to have been
peculiarly difficult, for in 1816

the question being put by what Means the Church
lost the Lot of Land Purchased of Samuel Owens
by Daniel Wm. Birdsall, voted that John Oppie,
Major Hanlon and James Mandeville were appointed
a Committee to see if there are no Means by which
the Church may obtain there property purchased by
the Vestry of Samuel Owens.

The Committee never reported.

CHAPTER XII.

THE CHURCHYARD.

FOR nigh upon a century and a half the ground
around St. Philip's in the Highlands has been
used as a last resting place for the faithful dead.
In that hallowed spot there sleep "the forefathers of the
hamlet." Men who were prominent in the affairs of the
nation, men who directed great commercial enterprises,
and men who fought in the Revolutionary and the Civil
Wars lie side by side with those whose lives were not the
less worthy because they were obscure.

From the earliest times the Vestry of the parish has
taken the greatest care of this "God's Acre." For the
repeated extension of the churchyard the parish is in-
debted to the members of the Philipse family.
The oldest tombstone is thus inscribed:

SULVENUS NELSON

who departed this life
July 11th, 1793
Aged 24 Years, 3 months, and 4 days.
Behold and see as you pass by!
As you are now, so once was I:
As I am now you soon must be
Prepare for death, and follow me.

The next oldest graves are

Harry, son of Harry and Jane Garrison,

who died

November 18th, 1795.

and

The Churchyard 341

Hannah, wife of Jacob Nelson,
who departed this life
February 16th, 1798.

ANNA LANCASTER,
wife of Joshua Lancaster,
died April 16, 1799.
Aged 43 years, 1 month and 14 days.
Dear friend that lives to mourn and weep,
Behold the grave wherein I sleep.
Prepare for death, for you must dye,
And be entombed as well as I.

It is an interesting fact that here are buried so many
soldiers whose "battle day is done." Two, at least, link
us with the far-off days of the Revolution.

LIEUTENANT JOEL JENKINS

Who departed this life

June 23rd, 1827

Aged 69 years, 9 months and 11 days.

A worthy of the Revolution.

And still another link with that memorable conflict is
the tombstone of

JOHN BISHOP
A Soldier of the Revolution
who died in 1849 aged 93 years.

Two sons of the parish were killed in the Civil War:

CHARLES A. TURNER,

Died October 10th, 1863, aged 22 years.

A good soldier — A true son of the 38th Regt.,

Co. B, N. Y. Volunteers

Wounded at Fredericksburg.

and

342 The History of St. Philip9 s C hutch

JESSE H. AUSTIN,

Died March 7th, 1865

Aged 18 years and 6 months.

38th Regiment, Co. L, N. Y. Volunteers

Died at Harpers Ferry

An undated "Government stone" marks the final rest-
ing place of

ALEXANDER NELSON,
Company L, N. Y. H. A.

Others served in the same conflict, but were spared for
longer service:

SAMUEL NICOLL BENJAMIN

Assistant Adjutant General

Brevet-Lt. Colonel U. S. A.

Born January 3rd, 1839

Died May 15th, 1886

and his comrade in arms and kinsman

ABRAHAM KERNS ARNOLD,

Colonel U. S. Cavalry.
Brigadier-General Volunteers.

Born March 24th, 1837
Died November 23rd, 1901.

In two instances the parish gave father and son to
serve in the same Civil War — the Halls and the Ardens —
and in each case the father was a Vestryman. General
Hall is buried at Tarry town, and his son survives; but
the Ardens rest in this churchyard.

GEORGE DePEYSTER ARDEN

Born December 25th, 1841
served during the Rebellion of the seceding States as
Colonel of the New York State Volunteers ; and after
many years of pain and suffering in the patient pur-
suit of his business died of disease due to the casualties
and exposures incidental to his service in the Army.
Died May 26th, 1885.

The Churchyard 343

Near to this son rests his honored father, for long years
a Vestryman, Warden and custodian of the churchyard,
who, though retired from the Army, responded to his
country's need and rendered yeoman service:

THOMAS BOYLE ARDEN

July 18th, 1813

August 18th, 1896

Class of 1835 West Point Military Academy

"For Thou hast been a shelter for me."

In the same conflict there served Harry Arden, another
son of the Colonel. He fought under General Banks and
rose to the rank of Lieutenant. He died October 6th,
1908. James Turner, John Bliss Miller, Alfred Fields
and Richard Austin fought in the ranks. Another sol-
dier's grave is that of the young son of General Arnold:

WALTER MONTGOMERY ARNOLD

Corporal Troop F 6th U. S. Cavalry

Son of

Abraham Kerns and Sarah Benjamin Arnold

Died February 6th, 1895

Aged 26 years.

The Spanish-American War claimed one distinguished
son of the Parish:

To the Memory of
HAMILTON FISH, JR.

only son of

Nicholas and Clemence B. Fish.

First Sergeant of

Capron's Troop, Troop L

First United States Volunteer Cavalry.

Killed in Battle at

Las Guasimas, Cuba,

June 24th, 1898

hi the 25th year of his age.

344 The History of St. Philip9 s C hurch

Wandering through this peaceful spot and examining
the inscriptions, one could call an almost complete roll of
the Wardens and Vestrymen of by-gone days. Here lies
Joshua Nelson, who was born in 1726, a member of the
first Vestry, who died at the age of ninety-one; Justus
Nelson, born in 1738; Daniel Haight, born in 1753;
Cornelius Nelson, born fourteen years before the Declar-
ation of Independence; Sylvanus Haight, who died in
1834; and Richard D. Arden, a Vestryman from 1840
until 1857. Five members of the Garrison family served
on the Vestry, all of whom are buried here, as is also
Richard Upjohn, the architect of the present church.

And coming down to later times we mark the graves
of William Moore, who entered the Vestry in 1857, and
was Warden at his death; Henry W. Belcher for forty
years on the Vestry; Hamilton Fish, Governor of the
State of New York, Secretary of State, a Vestryman and
Warden from 1862 until 1893; the brothers Livingston,
Samuel Sloan, President of the Delaware and Lacka-
wanna Railroad, who entered the Vestry in 1875, and
served until 1907; William H. Osborn, President of the
Illinois Central railroad, and a member of the Vestry in
1877-8; John M. Toucey, General Manager of the New
York Central and Hudson River Railroad, a former
Treasurer of the parish, and John H. Iselin, a Vestryman
from 1890 to 1893.

In this, as in most burial grounds, there are the un-
marked graves of the dead. When the New York Cen-
tral railroad was being constructed through this parish in
1849, an epidemic of cholera broke out which carried off
many of the laborers. They were reverently interred
in a trench on the north side of the churchyard.

The Churchyard 345

The erection of a larger church in 1861 made the re-
moval of some remains necessary. This was carried out
with the utmost care and tenderness. This work brought
to light an interesting historical link with the War of the
Revolution.

During the War "Beverly," the erstwhile mansion of
Colonel Beverly Robinson, was occupied as headquarters
by Major-General Israel Putnam, who was accompanied
by his wife. There were anchored in the river opposite
"Beverly" some American frigates, the magazines of
which exploded. This, together with the noise of the
battle and capture of Fort Montgomery, so terrified Mrs.
Putnam that she fled from "Beverly," and took refuge
in the house of Jacob Mandeville at the Four Corners.
There she died. The place of her burial has been a
matter of much debate. But all the evidence points to
the fact of her interment in this churchyard. At the time
of her death General Putnam was with the troops at
Fishkill. The imperative need for his presence there
would necessitate as little delay as possible in the inter-
ment, and the churchyard was the nearest and the most
fitting burial ground.

The matter seems placed beyond dispute by the evi-
dence presented in a letter to Mr. Stuy vesant Fish written
by Colonel J. S. C. Hamilton in 1904. He says, "An
old acquaintance of mine, Michael Lee by name, who for
many years had been the trusted employee of the late
Henry R. Worthington, informed me that when he first
arrived at Castle Garden from Ireland, he was employed
by a contractor and taken up the river to Garrison; the
first work allotted him was to take up the remains of a
considerable number of persons buried in a very old

346 The History of St. Philip9 s Chur ch

churchyard, the object being to grade up the grounds pre-
paratory to the erection of some other building;1 in the
course of this work he opened a vault situated in the side of
the bank, and took out a casket containing the remains of
the wife of Major-General Putnam; upon opening the
same it was found that she had been prematurely buried,
as the remains were face downward, and that the hair was
not only in a perfect state of preservation, but had grown
until it had covered nearly all the interior of the casket."
Upon further pursuing his investigation Colonel Hamil-
ton found a brother-in-law of the contractor, who testified
that the remains, with others, were re-interred immedi-
ately in the rear of the present church.

It is worthy of historical record that the churchyard
was not the earliest burying place. The ground in the
rear of Jacob Mandeville's house was used for burial
purposes, and the last gravestones were removed about
1862. It is quite within the range of possibility that
Jacob Mandeville, whose grave has never been traced,
was buried there. Up to a few years ago there could be
traced on the Toucey estate many graves. By the
courtesy of Mr. James Nelson I am able to reproduce the
inscription on a slab of Argylite which he himself copied :

HER LIES

THE BO

DY OF

I. H. DESH

YE 7 1753.

The ground has been cultivated, the graves levelled,
and the last stone carried away.

1 Undoubtedly the new church in 1861.

CHAPTER XIII.

THE PARISH REGISTER.

THE Canon Law of the Church requires that in
every parish there shall be kept an accurate
record of baptisms, confirmations, marriages,
burials, and also a list of communicants.

The earliest parochial register has just been discovered.
It is a faded school exercise book, measuring eight inches
by seven, and is styled,

Baptisms, Marriages and Funerals

of the Congregations of

S. Peter's Church, Peekskill, and

S. Philip's Church in the Highlands

Begun 16th December, 1809, kept by

The Revd John Urquhart, Rector.

There are five recorded baptisms for St. Peter's.

BAPTISMS AT ST. PETER'S CHURCH AND
BELONGING TO THAT CONGREGATION.

1810. June 17th, Baptised, Walter, son of the Rev.

John Urquhart
Sponsors: Major Hanlon, Captain Mandevill,

and Miss Sally Hanlon.
1810, Nov 18th, Baptised Charlotta, daughter of

Owen and Elizabeth Odell.

Sponsors, the Parents.

348 The History of St. Philip' s Chur ch

1811, July 11th, Baptized Charles, the son of Samuel

and Mary Howel.

Sponsors, the Father and Mrs Jane

Brown.
1811, July 28th, Baptized on Sunday, Elizabeth, the

daughter of Henry and Ann Coyne.

Sponsors, the Parents.
1811, Oct. 20th, Baptized Anne Matilda, the daughter

of James and Mary Summerbille.

Sponsors the Parents and Mrs Lydia

Ferris.

BAPTISMS OF THE CONGREGATION OP ST. PHILIP'S CHURCH.

1810, Jany 2nd Baptized at Joshua Lancaster's on
Tuesday, Joshua, the son of Isaac
and Sarah Henyan.
Also Rebecca, daughter of John and
Ruth Lounsbury. Sponsors, the
Mother and Joshua and Susanna
Lancaster.

1810, July 8th Baptized at Mr William Denning's

on Sunday, Charles Denning, the son
of James and Amelia Gillespie.
Sponsors, William Denning, William
Henderson and Sarah Henderson.
Baptized at the same time and place,
Frances Maria, the daughter of
William Alexander and Maria H.
Duer. Sponsors, Lucretia Shaler,
Sarah Henderson and William Hen-
derson.1

1 Frances Maria Duer was a grandchild of William Denning and
Sarah (Hauxhurst) Denning, the latter of whom is buried in the Chest-
nut Grove south of the Beverly house. She married Henry S. Hoyt,
and for some years prior to 1875, lived in the old Beverly house. She
died at Newport, R. L, about 1908.

^/,

tu W^Mj \

zn/Uf J-ati^atkl,

/ j (/ ^Zifdt J/Jc<.'£ /&&■ C£*aJc4 S&PHi

m tu a it l % wtuuij**^.

A PAGE OF THE FIRST PARISH REGISTER

1810

The Parish Register 349

1811, Feby 17th. Baptized at Joshua Nelson's, Jacob
Nelson and Lucy Ann, the former
born Oct. 10th, 1807, and the latter
August 12th, 1810, being the children
of Mr Pardie of Poughkeepsie.
Sponsors, the Parents and Jacob Nel-
son and Mrs. Nelson.

1811, March 3rd Baptized on Sunday Harriet Jane,
daughter of Joshua and Anne Hen-
yan. Sponsors, the Mother and old
Mr Henyan, the child's grandfather.

1811, Sept. 16th Baptized at the house of William
Lancaster, Betsey, the daughter of
Stephen and Sarah Lounsbury.
Sponsors, the Mother & Mr. & Mrs.
Lancaster.

1811, Sept. 29th Baptized in the Highlands, at the

house of Captain Philipse, Mary
Marston, the daughter of Samuel
and Mary Gouverneur. Sponsors,
Thomas Marston, Jr., Maria Phil-
ipse, Mary Gouverneur.
The above Mary Marston was born
2nd August 1811.,

1812, Feby 16th. Baptized on Sunday at the house

of Joshua Lancaster, Martha, the
daughter of John and Ruth Louns-
berry. Sponsors, the Mother and
Joshua Lancaster.
1812, Sept 27th. Baptized in S. Philips Church, Maria,
the daughter of the Rev. John Urqu-
hart. Born the 28th of July, 10 o'c
at night.

Sponsors, Capt. Frederick Philipse,
Maria Philipse and Susan Urquhart,
the Mother.

350 The History of St. Philip' s C kur ch

1812, Nov 22nd, Baptized at Joshua Nelson's house

on Sunday before the congregation,
after divine worship, Susan, the
daughter of George Reade, from Mr.
Stewart's mines.1

1813, Jany 3rd. Baptized on Sunday at the house of

Joshua Nelson, before the congrega-
tion, Jacob Pardy, son of Cornelius
and Charity Nelson. Sponsors, the
Father and Mrs Sarah Nelson.

Here the record of baptisms by the Rev. John Urqu-
hart ends, as he retired from the parish sometime in 1813,
but there is on record the following baptism by the Rev.
John Brown, who was Rector of St. George's Church,
Newburgh:

1815, Aug 13th, Mary Hannah, daughter of Cornelius
and Charity Nelson. Born Nov
13th, 1814. Sponsors, the Father and
Sarah Nelson.

We now turn to the record of marriages performed by
Mr. Urquhart, which is headed

MARRIAGES IN BOTH CONGREGATIONS.

1809, Dec 16th. Married on Saturday at Mrs. Steele's

in the Highlands, John Horton and
Anne Steele, according to the estab-
lished form of the Protestant Episco-
pal Church, before several witnesses.

1810, Jany 2nd, Married on Tuesday at the house of

Joshua Lancaster, Joshua Henyan
and Anne Lancaster.

1 Stewart's Mine was on the headwaters of Campus Creek, other-
wise called Sprout's Brook.

The Parish Register 351

1810, Jany 9th. Married at Mrs. Devenport's, High-

lands, on Tuesday, Reuben Travers
and Nancy Devenport.

1810, Jany 11th. Married at Daniel Haight's, High-
lands, on Thursday, Samuel Warren
and Martha Haight.

1810, Feby 10th. Married at Mrs. Meek's house be-
yond the Parsonage, on Saturday,
Arthur Lancaster and Leah Hopper.

1810, Feby 10th. Married on the same day at the house
of Joseph Ferris, James Somerville
and Mary Ferris.

1810, June 16th. Married on Saturday, Ebenezer
Owens and Oli Lockwood before
several witnesses.

1810, Nov 22nd. Married on Thursday, Elijah Daven-

port and Susan Warren, daughter of
Mr John Warren, before several wit-
nesses.

1811, Jany 5th. Married on Saturday, James Drake

and Polly Smith before several wit-
nesses at the house of Philemon
Smith in Canopus Hollow.

1811, June 29th. Married on Saturday, Israel Owens
and Jemima Rhodes, near St. Peter's
Church at Mrs. Rhodes' house before
several witnesses.

1811, Aug 31st. Married on Saturday, John Spock of
Cortland town, and Mary Meiks of
Philipstown, at the house of William
Lancaster, Highlands, in the presence
of several witnesses.

1811, Sept 21st. Married on Saturday, Samuel and
Theodosia Smith, in the house of Phile-
mon Smith, before divers witnesses
according to the prescribed order of
the Protestant Episcopal Church.

352 The History of St. Philip' s Church

1812, Feby 26th.

1812, March 1st.

1812, April 8th.
1812, Oct. 1st.

1812, Dec. 31st.

1813, Jany 7th.

1813, Jany 9th.

1813, Jany 16th.

1813, Jany 25th.
1813, Jany 26th.

1813, Feby 16th.

1813, March 6th.

Married on Wednesday, before sev-
eral witnesses, at the house of Jeacox
in the Highlands, Cornelius Nelson
and Charity Jeacox.
Married on Sunday evening at the
house of Amos Austin in the High-
lands, before several witnesses, Jacob
Nelson junior and Maria Austin.
Married on Wednesday at the house
of William Lancaster, Highlands,
James Dalton and Hannah Lancaster.
Married at the house of Silas Chap-
man in Philipstown on Thursday,
Ebenezer Cole and Eliza Chapman.
Married at Mr. Gillet's in the High-
lands, on Thursday, Stephen Haight
and Lydia Gillet.

Married at Mrs. Lihely's in Philips-
town on Thursday, Anjouvine Purdy
and Esther Lihely.
Married in the Highlands at the
house of Cornelius Nelson on Satur-
day, James Horton and Anne Nelson.
Married at Mr Chapman's on Satur-
day, William Travis to Ann Chap-
man.

Married on Monday, John Horton to
Sally Coldgrove.

Married at Mr Legget's, on Brown's
Landing, on Tuesday, Peter Lynch
and Fanny Delanzy.
Married at Mr Devenport's in the
Highlands, on Tuesday, John Warren
and Rachel Devenport.
Married on Saturday at the Widow
Meicks', Stephen MacCabe and Betsy
Meicks.

The Parish Register 353

There are no burials recorded in this register kept by
Mr. Urquhart.

From 1813 to 1837 there are no entries of baptisms,
marriages or funerals, and no trace or suggestion of any
such records. The reason lies in the difficulty of obtain-
ing clergy for the work of the united parishes. The
churches were only opened at intervals for services, and
the sacraments were but rarely administered.

The next parish register we owe to the Rev. Henry
Lemuel Storrs, who was Priest-in-charge of St. Philip's
in the year 1836. Writing on October 23rd, 1836, Mr.
Storrs says, "I have not yet discovered any register,
nor do I suppose any has been kept." Evidently Mr.
Storrs had not then access to the records of Mr. Urqu-
hart, but he himself made and kept a careful record of
his own official ministrations.
It is headed:

Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and

Confirmations

St. Philip's Church,

Philipstown,

Commenced Oct 23rd, 1836 by Henry L. Storrs, Minister.

BAPTISMS.

1837, June 15th. Maria Lent, aged 19 years, daughter

of John and Rachel Lent.
1837, July 9th. Mary Ann Hamilton, aged two

months, daughter of Alexander and

Sarah Hamilton.
1837, Oct. 10th. George Francis Garrison, aged 4

years, son of John and Martha

Garrison.

and

Margaret Dominick Garrison, aged 2

years, same parents.

354 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

1837, Oct 10th. Nicholas De Peyster, aged 11 years,

son of George and Lydia De Peyster.

MARRIAGES.

1837, March 1st. Elisha Nelson to Phoebe Jane Birt-

sall.
1837, April 2nd. Sebastian Sohn to Barbara Schuland.
1837, June 15th. Christopher McDowell to Sarah J.

Warren.

FUNERALS.

[To Mr. Storrs we are indebted for the first record
of Burials in the Parish Register.]
1836, Oct 23rd. Sidney Mead, son of Joseph N. and
Betsy Mead.

1836, Dec. 11th. William Sutton of Cold Spring.

1837, June 18th. Maria Lent, aged 19.

[Mr. Storrs records her Baptism three
days before her death.]

CONFIRMATIONS.

Prior to the ministry of Mr. Storrs no record had been
kept of confirmations, and of the following names he
writes, "A correct list of the persons confirmed in St.
Philip's Church, as I can make out, no register having
been kept before, that I can discover."

Daniel Haight Harry Hooper

John Nelson John Garrison

Lydia Garrison Harry Garrison

Mary H. Nelson Sarah Woolstencroft

Charity Nelson Mary Gouverneur

Margaret Gouverneur.

The Parish Register 355

Presumably these had been confirmed prior to 1836,
and on September 28th, 1837, the following were pre-
sented to the Bishop for confirmation:

Elizabeth K. Storrs Frances Arden

Helen Arden Phoebe J. Garrison

The Bishops who have administered the sacred rite
of confirmation in the church are: Onderdonk of New
York (1843), DeLancey of Western New York (1847),
Whittingham of Maryland (1849), Carlton Chase of New
Hampshire (1852), Wainwright of New York (1853),
Horatio Potter of New York, Seymour of Springfield
(1879), Henry Codman Potter of New York, Leighton
Coleman of Delaware (1899), Courtney late of Nova
Scotia (1908), Greer (1909) and Lucien Lee Kinsolving of
Southern Brazil (1910). All, save the three latter, have
passed from the Church militant to the Church trium-
phant.

COMMUNICANTS.

Writing on October 23rd, 1836, the Rev. Henry L.
Storrs, minister in charge, says, "This is a correct list of
Communicants of St. Philip's Church when I assumed
pastoral charge:"

Mr. Samuel Gouverneur Mrs. Margaret Mixon

Mrs. Mary Gouverneur Mr. Daniel Haight

Mrs. Charity Nelson Mrs. Jane Arden

Mr. Harry Garrison Mrs. Sarah Woolstencroft

Mrs. Rachael Garrison Mr. Henry De Rham.

In 1843 the Rev. Robert Shaw succeeded to the charge
of the parish, and we have the record of his work until
1849:

356 The History of St. Philip9 s C hurch

BAPTISMS.

1843

1844

1845

1846

1847

1848

George Hopper

Daniel and Phoebe Tomp-
kins
Augustus Nelson
James Garrison (Adult)
Sarah Ann Jaycox (Adult)

Frances Jane Hopper
Henry Cushman Hopper
Lerene Hows

Robert Hopper
Mary A. Parrott

Mrs. Mary Nelson (Adult)

Justus Austin

Richard Beverly Arden
Samuel Cogswell Nelson

(Adult)
Samuel Mandeville Nelson
Henry Parrish Folson

Elizabeth Jenkins (Adult)
Mary Ann McCormick

Henry Arden

Mrs. Ellen Austin (Adult)

1849

Louise S. Pierson (Adult) James Lennox Huggins

MARRIAGES.

1843, Dec. 27th.

1844, Feb. 18th.

1845, Dec. 20th.

1846, Jan. 10th.
1848, Apl. 1st.

1843 Sept. 20th.

1844 Aug. 4th.
1845

William Augustus Hows to Margaret

Nelson.

Thomas H. Austin to Ellen Nelson.

Cyrus Van Tassel to Alisa Weeks.

Cornelius Turner to Esther Currey.

James Sparks of Peekskill to Lydia

Garrison, daughter of James Garrison.

BURIALS.

Mrs. Sarah Rosseter
John W. Jaycox
Anne Croneyn.

The Parish Register 357

1846 Frances, daughter of R. D. Arden.
James Henry Garrison, son of Judge
John Garrison.

1847 Samuel Gouverneur (Warden).

1848 Mrs. Lydia De Peyster, mother of
Mrs. T. B. Arden.

Mrs. Elizabeth Jenkins.

Mrs. Mary Gouverneur, widow of

Samuel Gouverneur.

1849 Mrs. Jane Arden, wife of Thos. B.
Arden.

John Bishop, aged 93 — a soldier of the
Revolution.
Mary Brown.
Julia Belcher.

CONFIRMATIONS.

1841

Margaret Williams James H. Garrison

Mary A. Arden *Mrs. Hopper

[*This was the first confirmation after St. Philip's
became an independent parish.]

1843, Oct. 15th, by Bishop Onderdonk:

Sarah Arden Reuben Turner

Richard Hopper Maria Turner

Peter Bross

1847, Sept 19th, by Bishop De Lancey:

James Garrison Elizabeth Shields

Thomas B. Arden Hannah Garrison

Sarah Haight Jane Nelson.

1849, June 18th, by Bishop Whittingham:

Elizabeth Person Louise S. Nelson

Thomas H. Austin Ellen Austin

Mary Jane Barton.

358 The History of St. Philip9 s C hur ch

It is worthy of note that Thomas H. Austin is the
oldest living communicant of the parish. He has pre-
served unbrokenly his association with St. Philip's for
sixty-two years.

The following is a copy of the Parish Register of
baptisms, marriages and funerals from 1852 to the pres-
ent day. The gaps in years are accounted for by the
absence of any rector in the parish.

BAPTISMS.

1852:

Alexander Austin
Almira Jenkins
Georgian a Devoe
Melissa Hopper
Alice Hopper
Fannie Devoe
Elizabeth Garrison f

1853:

Joel Jenkins
Isaac Jenkins
Charles Jenkins
Ezra I. Nickerson
Seymour Crozier
Edgar Crozier
Peter Crozier
Lydia Jenkins f
Mrs. Deoef
Henry Crozier
Susan Turnerf
Sarah Devoe
James Nelson
Jacob Nelson

Washington Irving Tenike
Matilda Geron
Elizabeth Geron
Charlotte Geron
William Monroe
Martin I. Monroe

Stephen Nelson
John Nelson
Sarah Louisa Miller
John Miller
Harriet Turner
Matthias Turner
Alby Jane Bloomer f
Benjamin Turnerf
Thomas Austin
Sarah Ann Turner
Jane Currie
Sarah Williamson
William Maguire
Adria Devoe

t Adult.

The Parish Register

359

1854:

Louisa Stephania Hopper

Abraham Austin

Sarah Catherine Tomp-
kins
1856:

Frances Sebastian Pecke

Eveline Valentine

Edwin Valentine

Francis Austin

Susan Jeanette Wood

1857:

Parmela Bailey
Patia Philips Bailey
Joseph Smith Bailey
Cortlandt Valentine
Mary Frances Hopper
Adelina Meeks
Melissa Meeks
Anne Meeks

Mary Elizabeth Van Tas-
sel
Samuel John Turner

1858:

Mary Elizabeth Tompkins
Mary Esther Belcher
Mary Philipse
David Austin
Emma Austin
Elizabeth Tompkins Nel-
sonf

1859:

Eleanor Tompkins
Margaret Tompkins
Guy Evans Huse

David Wood
George Wood
Samuel Wood
Isaac Wood
Sarah Jane Jackson

Evelyn Turner
Eveline Turner
Franklin Edgar Pierce

Turner
Charlotte Selina Turner
Laetitia Turner
Orrin Cables
Emma Dora Conclin
Anna Weir Young
Phebe Clarissa Woodf

Rebecca Austin f
Hannah Turner f
Mary Eliza Turner
Mary Jane Garrison f
Mary Warren
Henrietta Warren

John Van Tassel f
Ames Cables

Catherine Curry

t Adult.

360 The History of St. Philip's Church

1860:

Mary Elizabeth Hopper f
Hannah Maria Van Tassel
Lewis Mead Van Tassel
William Henry Curry
Anna Ellida Maguire
Mary Ellen Weller
William Boothroyd Weller
James Weller
Sarah Weller
Matilda Tompkins
Mary Emma Meeks
Seymour Allen Hopper
Charles Hamilton Bross
Martha Ann Garrison
Henry Elisha Belcher
William Wilson McRonald
Nellie Lent

1861:

Catharine Amelia Currie
Glorvina Hoffman
James McCoombs
Sarah Elizabeth Warren
Mary Augusta Chapman
Mary Elizabeth Devoef
May Catherine Gilbert
Benjamin Gilbert
John Gilbert

Mary Elizabeth Van Tas-
sel
Rachel Van Tassel f (born

1776)
Delia Abbey f

Lewis Turner

Ida Madora Cables

Abby Cables

Mary Elizabeth Austin

James Henry Turner

Mary Currie f (born in

1792)
Mary Ann Curriet
Hannah Esther Currie f
Francis Waters f
Emma Augusta Nelson
Elizabeth Adeline Nelson
Harriet Elizabeth Denike
Eleanor Amelia Denike
William Henry Miller
James Albert Miller

Darling Hoag
Frederick Lent
Cyrus Van Tassel
Charles Gilbert
Anne Melia Gilbert
Fillimore Austin
Edward Alonzo Nelson
Sarah Jane Nelson
Amelia Frances Ryan
Clara Livingston
Sarah Jane Turner
Lydia Currie

Catherine Wadsworth Phi-
lipse

t Adult.

The Parish Register

361

1862:

Harriet Brossef
Harriet Gertrude Hopper
Frederick A. Hopper
Fannie Clara Homerf
Franklin Leef
Charles Edward Bunte
Emaline Denike
Susan Elvira Denike
John Jacob Denike

1863:

Anna Weller
Catherine Kanef
James W. Robinson
George Miller f
Susan Currief
Jane Van Tassel f
Mary Susan Turner
Mary Austin f
Loretta Turner f
Effeline Conklinf
Hannah Jane Conklinf
Mary Jenet Garrison
William Henry Galloway
Catherine Ann Jenkins

1864:

Sarah Monnetf
Sophia Hogg
Sarah Lavinia Young
William Henry Young
Minerva Jane Young
Mary Elizabeth Young
George Washington Young
Sarah Melissa Mason
Margaret Lavinia Mason

William Mitchell Vail

Hoffman
William Jeny Denike
Emma Louisa Denike
Sarah Ann Galloway
Charles William Brosse
Jenie Winnie Denike
Phebe Chapman f
Edward Meeks

Horace Cables
Howard Cables
Frederick Cables
Lavinia Cables
Clara Gilbert
Sarah L. Denike
Isaac James Van Tassel
Maria Miller
Ivons Miller
Darius Juston Miller
Ellsworth Miller
Emma Lavinia Austin
Margaret Ann Agnes Shein
Eleanor Louisa Hoffman

William McCoombs
Melissa Denike f
Margaret Jane Cables f
Mary Jane Moffatf
Adele Margaretta Landi
Margaret Gouverneur Phi-

lipse
Anna Mitchell Upjohn
James Henry Austin

t Adult.

362 The History of St. Philip's Church

1865:

Hester Robinson f
Emma Jane Galloway-
John Warren Garrison
Ellen Josephine Austin
Margaret Turner f
Mary Frances Valentine
Arthur James Valentine
Minerva Valentine
Charles William Valen-
tine

1866:

Eliza Guilbert

1867:

Emory J. Turner
John Robinson
Nelson Robinson
Samantha Walsh
William Hogg
James W. Guilbert
Lavinia Turner

1868:

Elizabeth Ann Shields
Julia Carrie Meeks
Mary Achley
George Alansen Jenkins
Arden Post

William Livingston Rob-
inson
Phebe Augusta Galloway
Annie Arden Mason
Walter Denike

William Terwilliger
Eleanora Turner
Henry Melville Deronda
John William Deronda
Carrie Deronda
David B. Jenkins
George Edgar Deronda
Ann Eliza Youngs
Charlotte Louisa Brosse

Aaron James Mason

George Edward Debevoise
Randolph Foster Debe-
voise
Cecilia Denike
Laura Denike
Susan Elizabeth Miller
Emily Dunn

Christina Miller
Abraham Miller
Samuel Miller
George Mowatt
William Eshleman
Jenie H. Austin
Michael James Van Voor-

his
Thomas Samuel Youngs

t Adult.

The Parish Register

363

1869:

Mary Van Tassel f
Lucy Van Tassel
Willie L. Miller
Franklin T. Miller
Margaret A. Miller
Mary Hannah Mo watt
Walter Scott Skein

1870:

Eliza Jane Angove
Mary Symonds Angove
Laura Angove

1871:

Nehusty Guilbert
Caroline Galloway
Carrie Augusta Adams
Nancy Ellie La Forge
Lucy Adelaide La Forge
Joseph Nelson f
Thomas Boyle Arden
Nelson Haightf
Foster Dewitt Germond
George William Austin f
Ella Frances Miller f

1872:

Charles Trewella
Walter Benjamin Brosse
Victoria Osborne
David Maguire Miller

1873:

Emma Louisa Harriet

Garrison
Emily Grey
Elizabeth Gardner

Julia Wood
Willie Robinson
Willie Mowatt
Elizabeth Hogg
Mary P. Johns
Harry P. Johns

Harriet Isabel Hall
Alexander Maccon

James William Keenan
Minnie Meeks
William John Trewella
Joseph Trewella
Mary Trewella
Alfred Trewella
Theodore Eugene Vail
Rosella Van Voorhis
James Francis Galloway
Carry Trewella

Mary Elizabeth Allman
George Brown Jaques
Lillie May Ellis
Minnie Turner

Elvin C. Griffin
James W. Griffin
Joseph V. Meeks

f Adult.

364 The History of St, Philip9 s C hur ch

1874:

Charles Mills Upjohn
Elijah Elmore Mekeel
Marion Joel Jenkins
John Wilbur Jenkins
Stewart Beverly Jenkins
William Perry Austin
Delaphine Alice Ellis
Thomas Richards
Catherine Denikef
Mary Elizabeth Denikef

1875:

Robert L. Meavery
James Upjohn
William Youngs f
John Lorillard Arden

1876:

Georgiana La Forge
Julia Gilbert
Florence Renward
Benjamin John
Marcia Price
Edward Ellis
Katharine Croft
Ada Adelinda Mason
Arthur Fairfield Austin

1877:

William Tompkins f
Arthur Heddy
Minnie Heddy
James Edward Heddy
Matilda Heddy
John Allen
Mary Allen
William Allen

William Henry Denikef
Helen Elizabeth Denikef
Webster Eaton Denike
William James Denike
Frederick Skene
Peter Osborne
Dora Julia Haight
Alida Haight
Lily Jane Haight

Fanny Beach Upjohn

Ruth Williams

George Potter Matthews

Amy Jane Ferris
Phebe Hannah Curry
Viola Gillett
Henry Vaughan Gillett
James Henry Ratillac
William Alexander Nelson
Ida Margaretta Rosskelly
Hobart Brown Upjohn

Maria Smith
May Evelyn Denike
William John Dinnis
William Charles Hoskins
Arthur Turner
Elizabeth Raymond
Cora Louise Bean
Kate Opie

f Adult.

The Parish Register

365

1877:

James Varcoe
Mary Emma Colvin
Clarissa Colvin
Bernardina Colvin
William W. Light
John Horner
Sherman Turner
James Edward Turner
Charles Henry Turner
Edward John Thomas
Frederick Wilton Bean
Kate Bean

1878:

Adele Spalding

Sarah Elizabeth Wilson

Mary Ann Wilson

1879:

Albert Gray Jenkins
David Austin Heustis
Annie Elizabeth Austin
John Ernest Wood
Laura Homer
Minnie Hopper
William Hopper
Richard Hopper
Richard Benjamin Turner

1880;

Samuel Ireland f
Charles Henry Ellis
William Beverly Rogers
Alonzo Hadden
Anna Evelyn Hadden
Eugene Heddey
George Heddey

Susan Opie
Emily Opie
Elizabeth Opie
Cora Lewis
William John Haight
Charles Henry Haight
Rina Ellis
Florence Tangye
Lily Keenan
Virginia Keenan
Holly Wilberforce Wells

Joel Minerlee Wilson
Henrietta Wilson
Margaret Jane Mcavery

Margaret Elizabeth Turner
Charles Augustus Bross
Charles Rapello Hender-
son
Emily F. Sherman
James Everett Reid
Josephine Outhouse
Lilly Robinson
Thomas James Mcavery

Lillie Heddey
Julian Irving Leroy
Marian Hadden f
Francis Julian Jenkins
Mary Elizabeth Outhouse
Florence Louisa Mason

t Adult.

366 The History of St. Philip's Church

1881:

John Outhouse f
Frances Mary Maguire
Susan Mary Schollderfer
Samuel Carleton Rush
Preston Jenkins
Jennie Mabel Austin
Charles Hamilton Austin
William Henry Austin
Minnie Elizabeth Robinson

1882:

Edward Willis Mclvor
Kitty Mclvor
Mary Luella Hendricks
Jesse Frances

1883:

Violet Mabel Rogers
Stuyvesant Fish
Albert Ellis f

1884:

Jane Louisa Schollderfer
Chauncey Smith
Edmund Smith
Levi Tuttle

1885:

Cicely Julia Monica North-
cote
Frances Livingston

1886:

Bertha Lowensberry Mil-
ler

1887:

Charlotte Smythe
David Curry t

Howard Cyrus Robinson
Grace Robinson
Jeremiah Robinson
Caleb Heustis
John Julian Trimble
Hamilton Fish Austin
Newman Hadden
Laura Keenan

Frederick William Ells-
worth
Virginia Sturges Osborn
Maria Antoinette Sherman

Julia Keenan

Frederick Foster de Rham

Alexander Perry Osborn
Ann Alida Maguire
Maggie May Austin
Anna May Heustis

Robert Armstrong Liv-
ingston

Emily Rosalind Fish
Raymond Austin

Ethel Schollderfer

f Adult.

The Parish Register

367

1888:

Hugh Hamilton Stafford

Northcote
Charles de Rham
Ellen Josephine Austin
John Edward Denike

1889:

Sara Arden Cheesman
Charles Brown

1890:

Howard James Hoffman
Anna Jane Hoffman
Bertha May Hoffman
George Vernon Hoffman
Minnie Etta Hoffman
Ellsworth Tuttle Smith
Arthur Graham Paul
Justus Austin f
Thomas Paul
Francis Irene Marshall!

1891:

Maria Virginia Haightf
Albert Wright Haight
Kittie Alida Haight
David G. Haight
Ellen Mills
Frederick Smith
Stanley Smith
Emma Avery f
Kate Riley |
May Gillette
Frederick Ralph Haight

1892:

Samuel Sloan Colt

Elizabeth Maguire
William Smith Livingston
Charlotte Alicia Thomp-

son

Dorothy Fuller Thompson

Edith Marshall
William Marshall
Edmund Marshall
Charles Marshall
Betsy Edna Denny
Josephine A. Osborn
Emma Louisa Keenan
Margaret Paul
Howard Paul

John Van Tassel
Laura Van Tassel
Josephine Van Tassel
Lillie Van Tassel
George Van Tassel
Benjamin Van Tassel
Ernest Bogart
Samuel Bogart
Charles Frederick Bogart
Elsie Hoffman

Aileen Clinton Hoadley
Osborn

t Adult.

368 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

1893:

Jennie Louise Wood

Walter Ray

Bertha

Florence Denike
1894:

Frederick Gore King

John La Forge

Olive Louise Garrison

Edward Meeksf

Timothy Matlack Cheesman
1895:

Alfred Irildf

Dora Julia Haight

Minnie Dibbell
1896:

Edmund Alonzo Hadden

Raymond Hay Smith

Robert Jaycox

Isaiah Jaycox

James Jaycox

Estelle Jaycox

Ethel Maud Jaycox

John Homer Haight
1897:

Alma Evelyn Hansen

Florence May Jaycox
1898:

James Frederick Cutler

Richard Edsall Trevorah
1899:

Niles Croft

Francis Underwood Perry

Hazel Frances Archie

Edith Hope Archie

Gertrude Weltha Sharp
James Henry Dibbell f
Helena Livingston Fish
Helen Esther Cables

George Galloway f
Dorothy Austin
Kenneth Hansen

Gurdon Saltonstall Osborn
Samuel Sloan Walker
Julia Frazier

Elvira Haight
William Francis Jaycox f
Dorothy Elizabeth Catler
Jesse Maguire
Catherine D. Colt
Alice Ruth Heustis
William Warren Nelson

Frederic Allan Haddon
Kate Cheesman

Robert William Thomas
Barclay

Beatrice Crawford
Nettie Hadden
Marian Evelyn Hadden

t Adult.

The Parish Register

1900:

Elizabeth Denike
Gladys Mary Homer
Helen Frances Schollderf er

1901:

John Albert Homer
Gladys Henrietta Moir

1902:

Mabel Jenkins

1903:

Ruth Sofia Berger
1904:

Nellie May

1905:

Howard Jackson Rose
Henry Irving Wood
Cordelia Elizabeth Rose
Thomas Frederick Rose
Samuel Douglas Vander-
mark

1906:

Eleanor FitzGerald
Leroy Montross Landy

1907:

Gertrude Hunter
William Nelson Lewis
Albert Joseph Jenkins

1908:

John Montross
Elsie Montross
Harriet Montross

Lucy E. Trevorah
Azelmaie Marilla Lewis
Grace O'Brien Moir

Robert Joseph Trevorah

Louis John Frank

Jesse Emma Croft

David Jordan f

Edwin Russel Trevorah

Francis Bertrand Jenkins

Philip Harris Uhlig
Charles Harold Lewis

James Henry Griggs f
Ethel Elizabeth Rose
Ellen Compton

Edward Freeman
Julia Ann Benjamin
Margaret Germond

t Adult.

370 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

1909:

Helen Bickelf Benjamin West Frazier

William Laurence Breeze Laurits Cheristian Eiby

Elizabeth Germond Harold Emil Eiby

Harold Le Roy Valentine Gordon Thomas Paul
Irving Carlton Valentine f

1910:

William Hoffman Benja- Garrett D. Vandemarkf

min Hamilton Fish Breeze

Stewart Robinson f Raymond Decker Lewis

Maud Emeline Polhemus Helen Marion Bellf
Rudolf Crystal Hussing

1911:

Peter Stuyvesant Fish Richard Dana de Rham

MARRIAGES.

1856, July 29th Rev. John Henry Hobart Brown —
Anna Coombs Upjohn.
[Mr. Brown became Bishop of Fond
du Lac in 1875.]

1860, Dec. 9th Silas Wood— Anna B. Eckert

1861, Jany. 29th John Lyons— Mary McKaney
Feby. 4th Edgar Tirwilliger — Elizabeth Porteus

1862, July 3rd Peter Nelson Devoe — Fannie Clara

Homer

1863, Feby. 10th William D. Garrison — Emma Louisa

Taylor
Dec. 22nd John Wood — Mary E. Wilson

1865, June 15th Lester L. Mosley — Isabelle H. Kecler

1866, Feby. 13th Rev. Richard Bayley Post— Eliza

Dean Arden

Sept. 6th George W. Miller — Emma Augusta

Nelson

Dec. 24th Othniel Eshleman — Phebe Ann Tom-
pkins

t Adult.

The Parish Register 371

1867, Oct. 10th James Hill — Josephine Gardner

1868, June 10th John A. Van Vorhis — Sarah Cathe-

rine Tompkins
Aug. 5th George Dorrington — Jane Mary Ann
MacHenry

1870, Dec. 26th Joel Miller — Ann Alida Maguire

1871, Oct. 5th Benjamin Travis — Hannah Jane

Conklin
Dec. 13th Albert Ellis — Margaret Tompkins
Dec. 14th Samuel Hamilton— Mary Ann Hus-
ton

1872, Mar. 2nd Morgan Osborne — Sarah Ann La

Forge
Sept. 30th John R. Nelson— Elizabeth Budds

1873, Apr. 17th John Henry Iselin — Mary Philipse

Gouverneur
July 18th Edward Nelson Austin — MaryPolina
La Forge
1876, Dec. 29th George de Forest Baxton — Anna
Dudley Ward

1878, Aug. 31st Edward Higgins, Jr.— Kate Harris

1879, Jan. 19th Charles Marcus Odell — Martha Jane

Gray
Aug. 10th George Mackey — Minnie Elizabeth
Duell

1880, Mar. 30th George Schollderfer— Ella F. Miller
Apr. 28th Samuel Rush — Lavinia Atkinson
July 15th Hezekiah Ellwood Radiker — Jane

Churton Gordon
Nov. 22nd Walter Paul — Emma Frances Austin

1881, June 19th George L. Hall— Matilda Tompkins
Sept. 21st George Naylor — Cora Annie Leroy

1883, June 6th Hugh Oliver Northcote — Edith Liv-

ingston Fish
Sept. 9th Thomas Albert Vanvoorhis — Kate

McCarthy

372 The History of St. Philip' s Chur ch

1883, Nov. 15th Frederick B. Amerman — Annie Lou-

ise Meeks

1884, Apr. 2nd James Moore — Annie Louise Belcher

1885, Oct. 14th George Wallace — Josephine Austin
Nov. 15th George Mowatt — Josephine Out-
house

1886, Oct. 12th Charles Judson Bogter — Amy Ferris

1887, Sept. 15th Arthur Thompson — Charlotte Brosse

1888, June 24th Sherman Higgs — Mary Duell
Sept. 4th William John McLaren — Mary Em-
ma Meeks

Nov. 14th William Hamilton — Constance Ann
Gurley

1889, Sept. 5th JohnRenolds Totten — Elma Preston

Van Voorhis

1891, June 20th George Wallace — Mary Clark

1892, Apr. 28th William Whitehill— Emma Paul
1894, Mar. 11th Alonzo fiadden, Jr. — Jeanette Star

Mar. 11th Peter Hansen — Eveline A. Hadden

Oct. 27th Hay Smith — Antoinette Haiter

Nov. 27th Kenneth Frazier — Julia Fish Rogers

1897, June 5th Robert Barclay — Isabella May wood

Oct. 30th Frederick Bloomfield Hibbard—

Alida Van Deusen

Dec. 31st John Henry Eyes — Caroline Lewis

1899, Apr. 5th John Homer — Alice May Rixon

1901, Dec. 15th Irvine Hamilton — Laura Homer

1902, Mar. 31st Fillimore Austin — Dora Haight

1903, Mar. 14th Thomas Paul — Elizabeth Grahame
Oct. 3rd Harold Fitzgerald — Elinor Fitzgerald
Oct. 28th Gustave Henry Uhlig, Jr. — Kather-

ine Elizabeth Frank

1904, Feby. 18th David Jordan— Eliza I. Miller
Dec. 11th Irving Odell — Minnie Barsanella

1905, Feby. 23rd William Whitehill— Jennie Taylor
Sept. 19th John W. Stowe — Justine Hammond

The Parish Register 373

1906, Feby. 8th Charles H. Sherrill— George Barker
Gibbs

1908, Apr. 11th William Besley Savage, M.D. —

Adele Louise Ingersoll

1909, July 21st Terence Patrick King — Grace Ethel

Lewis
Sept. 12th Alexander Buchanan — Jean Cowie

1910, July 14th Stuyvesant Fish, Jr.— Mildred Dick
Oct. 22nd John W. Cutler — Rosalind Emily

Fish
Nov. 29th Rev. John McVickar Haight — Elsie
Harper Stanton

1911, Aug. 3rd David Maguire Miller— Paula The-

resa Christensen.

BURIALS.

The earliest gravestone in the churchyard is dated
1793, but no burials are recorded in the parish register
until 1836. The funeral records are blank again until
1843 when they continue until 1849, and re-commence
in 1854 as follows:1

1854, Sept. 15th

Christopher Haight (Vestryman).

1855, Feby. 8th

Martha Ann Belcher.

Feby. 11th

Mary Nelson.

Nov. 28th

Cornelius M. Nelson (Vestryman).

1856, Oct. 13th

Mary H. Smith.

1857, Jan. 29th

John L. Lent.

Oct. 31st

Margaret Dominick Garrison

1858, Feby. 16th

Jacob Lent (Schoolmaster and Ves

try man) .

Francis Austin.

Mary Elizabeth Tompkins.

1859, July 4th

Jane Arden.

1860, May 30th

Martha Garrison.

1 The date here recorded is the day of death.

374 The History of St. P hilip9 s C hurck

1861, Jan. 26th Joseph James Taylor.
July 12th Sarah Hodges.

Sept. 30th Cyrus Van Tassel.

Nov. 5th Elizabeth Garrison.

Nov. 8th Hannah Garrison.

Nov. 26th Nancy Hopper.

1862, Jan. 5th Thomas Arden.
Jan. 6th M. Philipse.
Mar. 24th Hannah Currie.
Oct. 5th Joseph Smith Bailey.
Nov. 9th James Garrison.
Nov. 21st Eveline Turner.
Dec. 26th Mandevill Nelson.

1863, Mar. — Rachel Van Tassel
Mar. 21st Patia Bailey.

July 25th Margaret Jane Cables.

Sept. 16th Maria Haws Lent (widow of Jacob

Lent).

Nov. 4th Emma L. Austin.

1864, Feby. 14th William McCoombs.
Oct. 9th Hannah Turner.
Dec. 9th Mary Susan Turner.

1865, Jan. 5th Ellen Tompkins.
Jan. 30th James Nelson.
Mar. 7th Jane H. Austin.
Mar. — Horace Cables.
Mar. 22nd William Dumont.

July 17th Richard Dean Arden (Vestryman).

Sept. 27th Susan Elizabeth Deronda.

Dec. 6th Peter Bross (Vestryman).

1866, Jan. 24th Mary Currie.
July 12th Helen Huggins.
Sept. 14th Sophia Porteus Hogg.

1867, Feby. 12th Emory I. Cramer.
Feby. 12th Lily B. Smith
June 3rd Sarah Haight.

July 24th George E. Moore (Vestryman).

The Parish Register 375

1867, Aug. 6th

David McGuire, Sr.

Nov. 3rd

John Garrison (Warden).

Dec. 19th

Minnie Lavinia Harvey.

Dec. 25th

Sarah L. Denike.

Dec. 28th

Emma Augusta Miller.

1868, Feby. 13th

Emaline Miller.

May 12th

Susan Elizabeth Miller.

May —

William Henry Youngs.

June 15th

James Arden.

Dec. 9th

Annie Arden Mason.

1869, June 19th

Catharine Wadsworth Philipse.

July 23rd

Harriet Gertrude Hopper.

Oct. 27th

Jane L. Miller.

Dec. 10th

Mrs. William Hoffman.

1870, Jan. 24th

Phebe Ann Tompkins.

July 29th

Helen Arden.

Dec. 28th

John Bliss Miller.

1871, Jan. 12th

Lavinia Turner.

Apr. 27th

Joseph Nelson.

Sept. 5th

Sarah Brosse.

1872, Feby. —

Arthur Turner.

Apr. 19th

Nelson Haight

Apr. 27th

Nathaniel F. Moore, LL. D. (Ves-

tryman and sometime President of

Columbia College.)

May 3rd

Rebecca Austin.

June —

Maria McCloud.

Aug. 7th

Minnie Turner.

1873, July 31st

Frederick G. Denike.

Sept. 12th

Michael Laquish.

Nov. 28th

Rachael Lent.

Dec. 26th

Hannah Laquish.

1874, Oct. 26th

Frederick Philipse (Warden).

1875, Mar. 17th

Josephine Turner.

Mar. 28th

Minnie B. Meeks.

July 2nd

Frederick Sturges Osborn.

Aug. 14th

Sarah Van Voorhis.

376 The History of St. Philip's Church

1875, Dec. 18th Matthias Turner.

1876, Jan. — Harold Dichel.
Jan. 15th James McCavery.
Jan. 29th Rachel Ann Mason.
May 25th John Flavel Lent.
June 16th Ann Clague.

June 29th Morgan Dahlgren.

July 5th Mary N. Lester.

Aug. 16th Charles Wm. Bross.

Sept. 8th James Henry Ratillac.

Dec. 18th S. M. Warburton Gouverneur (Ves-
tryman) .

1877, June 4th Julia Elizabeth Hall.
July 26th Frederick Wilton Bean.
Sept. 20th William Tompkins.

1878, July 21st Maria E. Denike.

Aug. 17th Richard Upjohn (Vestryman).

Sept. 29th Mary Wilson.

Oct. — Thomas Skene.

1879, Apr. 28th Richard Turner.
July 14th John Rhodes Denike.

1880, Feby. 29th Elizabeth Haight.
Mar. 16th Hamilton Fish Rogers.
July 18th Samuel Ireland.

Aug. 12th Charles Henry Ellis.

Sept. 18th William Smith.

1881, Apr. 27th Frank Starr.
July 15th Susan E. Denike.
Aug. 24th Caleb Heustis.
Nov. 13th Laura Reenan.

1882, Feb. 28th Moses Taylor Belcher.
Mar. 2nd Elizabeth Upjohn.
Aug. 17th Clarence Gardner Cole.
Oct. 9th Harvey Lent.

1883, July 1st Dr. Beverly Livingston.
Aug. 23rd Sarah N. Garrison.
Sept. 20th Josephine Nelson.

The Parish Register 377

1884, Feb. 18th Susan Miller.

Apr. 1st Elizabeth d'Hauteville Benjamin.

Aug. 4th Esther Belcher.

Oct. 1st Elizabeth. Turner.

Nov. 20th Mrs. William Tompkins.

1885, Jany. 31st Violet Mabel Rogers.
Mch. 2nd James McCoombs.

May 26th Colonel George de Peyster Arden.

July 15th William Moore (Warden).

Oct. 5th Marian Haddon.

1886, Feby. 5th Phebe Jane Garrison.
Apr. 12th Mrs. George Wallace.

Apr. 15th Colonel Samuel N. Benjamin, U. S. A.

July 23rd Anna M. Arden.

Nov. 19th Mary Lent.

1887, Mar. 14th David Curry.
Mar. 16th Margaret Ellis.
June 30th Julia Kean Fish.
July — Mrs. John Hopper.

Dec. 19th Edith Livingston Northcote.

1888, June — George F. Garrison (Vestryman) .
Aug. — Mrs. Anna Miller.

Nov. — William Price.

Dec. — Laura Gertrude Benjamin Brooke.

1889, Nov. — Mrs. Martha Denike.

1890, Apr. 30th Frances Maguire.
July 21st James Mason.
July 24th Lizzie Pollock.
Sept. — EllaEllir.

Oct. 9th Ethel Schollderfer.

Oct. 16th Elizabeth Maguire.

Nov. 15th Ethel E. Austin.

1891, Mar. 27th Amy Duryee.

Mar. 31st Margaret Elizabeth Pane.

June 29th Emma Louisa Garrison.

Sept. 10th Louis Montgomery Cheesman.

1892, Jany. — William Allman.

378 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

1892, Jany. 11th

Mrs. Margaret Philipse Moore.

Mar. 9th

Edwards Pierrepont.

Mar. —

John Hopper.

Mar. —

Maria Virginia Haight.

Sept. —

Arthur Thompson.

Oct. 25th

Henry W. Belcher (Warden).

Nov. 11th

Ellen Duer Wilson.

Dec. 2nd

William D. Garrison (Vestryman).

1893, Mar. 4th

Mary Janette Garrison.

Apr. 3rd

Joel D. Jenkins.

May 2nd

Timothy Matlack Cheesman, Jr.

June 25th

Mary Gouverneur.

Sept. 7th

The Hon. Hamilton Fish, LL. D

(Warden.)

1894, Mar. 2nd

William Henry Osborn (Vestryman) .

Mar. 12th

Anne Jane Brosse.

May 19th

Edward Meeks.

May 21st

Charlotte Alicia Thompson.

Aug. 8th

Timothy Matlack Chessman, Jr.

Oct. 29th

Mary Jane Garrison.

Nov. 21st

Francis Armstrong Livingston (Ves-

tryman).

1895, Jany. 3rd

William Nelson.

Mar. 8th

Georgiana de Peyster Dumont.

May 25th

Alfred Fields.

June —

Mrs. Samuel Wood.

July 13th

John H. Iselin (Vestryman).

1896, Feb. —

Hannah Garrison.

Mar. 13th

Gurdon Saltonstall Osborn.

Mrs. Robert Turner.

Aug. —

Colonel Thomas Boyle Arden (War-

den).

Sept. —

Dorothy Elizabeth Cable.

1897, Mar. —

Mrs. James Turner.

May —

James Turner.

June 1st

Susan Duryee.

Sept. —

Mrs. Miller.

The Parish Register 379

1898, June 24th

Hamilton Fish, Jr. (killed in battl

Sept. 23rd

John M. Toucey (Vestryman).

Nov. 1st

John Cummings Cheesman.

1899, Feby. 22nd

Grace Osborn.

Mar. 15th

Emily Mann Fish.

Apr. —

Evelyn Honsen.

May —

Laura de Rham.

May 10th

Annie Buckley.

July —

Frederick Hodden.

Aug. 15th

Jesse Austin.

Aug. —

David Jenkins.

Sept. 3rd

Maria Louise Auchincloss.

1900, Apr. —

Emma Cables Austin.

Apr. 28th

Sarah Livingston.

Aug. —

John Denike.

Sept. —

Susan M. Weir.

1901, May 9th

Katharine Hopper.

Dec. 23rd

Abraham Kerns Arnold. (General

U. S. A.)

1902, Feby. 7th

Virginia Sturges Osborn.

Feby. —

James H. Diblee.

Apr. —

John Albert Homer.

Aug. —

Catharine Curry.

Sept. 16th

Nicholas Fish.

Oct. —

Jacob Newell.

Oct. 11th

Margaretta Pierrepont.

Dec. —

George Miller.

Dec. 29th

Warburton Gouverneur Iselin.

1903, June 25th

Sarah Jane Benjamin.

Sept. 17th

Emma F. Schollderfer.

Oct. 19th

Emma Whitehill.

Dec. —

Nicholas C. Thompson.

1904, Feby. —

Earl Grigg.

May 15th

Lizzie Heustis.

May 22nd

Helena Fields

July 29th

Fillmore Austin.

Dec. —

Harvey Gilbert.,

380 The History of St. P hilip' s C hurch

1904, Dec. — Elizabeth Ellen Auchincloss.

1905, Feby. 13th Hetty Coolidge Haight.
May 26th Eliza King Belcher.
July — Hay Smith.

July 24th Donald Butler Toucey.

1905, May — Charles Hamilton Shepard.
Aug. — Cordelia Elizabeth Rose.

1906, March 6th Rosalie Lewis.
May 18th Laura de Rham.

1907, Aug. 21st William Nelson Lewis.
Aug. 26th John H. Eyes.

Sept. 22nd Samuel Sloan (Warden).

1908, Jan. 31st Edward H. Duryee.
Mar. 30th William Edward Kenney.
Aug. 25th Mary Butler Toucey.
Oct. 3rd Henry Arden.

Oct. 6th General Louis Fitzgerald.

George Jenkins.

Dec. 5th Julia Kean Benjamin.

Dec. 23rd Edward Freeman.

Mrs. Nicholas Fish.

1909, Jan. 20th Susan Le Roy Rogers.
Feb. 23rd Charles de Rham (Warden).
June 22nd Elizabeth Germond.

Sept. 21st Aaron Mason.

Sept. 25th Elizabeth B. Nelson.

Oct. 26th Euphemia Kneeland Haight.

1910, Mar. 5th Norris Haight.

Mar. 21st Richard Beverly Arden.

Apr. 26th Ellen Austin.

May 4th Edgar S. Auchincloss.

July 25th David Maguire.

Aug. 1st Dora Haight.

Aug. 7th Catharine Jane Denike.

Nov. 12th Richard H. Austin.

Dec. 8th Conreid Thorsell.

The Parish Register 381

1911, Apr. 14th William James Kirk.

May 6th Emily Fisher Maguire.

Oct. 5th Mary Louisa Hoffman Nickerson.

Oct. 27th Seymour Hopper, Jr.

Nov. 30th Annie Ryan.

SUPPLEMENTARY LIST OF BURIALS

In order to make the list of burials as complete as
possible the following are copied from the gravestones in
the churchyard; although not recorded in the Parish
Register. Many of the interments took place before
any record was kept; others were not recorded owing
to there being no Rector, or for other cause:

1793

1802

July 11th,

Sulvenus (Sylvanus)

Jany 15th,

Donald McQueen

Nelson1

1803

1795

Feby 21st,

Justus Nelson3

Jany 21st,

Maria Haight

1804

Aug 18th,

Harry Garrison

March 9th,

Salley Budd4

1798

Nov 11th,

Delius Ann Garrison

Feby 16th,

Hannah Nelson

1805

1799

Nov 29th,

Robert Allen

April 16th,

Anna Lancaster

1809

1800

March 25th

, Christopher Fowler

Feby 6th,

Melancton Smith Gar-

1810

rison

June 1st,

Mary Watson

■ 19th, Margaret Swan August 21st, John Griffin0

1 Seventh child of Justus and Mary (Haight) Nelson; born March 16th,
1769. Died unmarried.

2 Wife of Jacob, son of Joshua and Sarah (Mandeville) Nelson.

3 Seventh and youngest son of Francis Nelson; born February 21st, 1737.

4 Wife of Underhill Budd.

5 Born July 22nd, 1718. Prior to 1768 was the tenant on the Beverly
home farm, and in 1777 rented a farm on the Robinson Lot No. 1 at £2.15.0
per annum.

6 Married Abigal Barrett who died October 13, 1831.

382 The History of St. Philip's Church

1811

1828

Jan 3rd,

Cornelius Nelson

Feby 12th,

Jane Garrison

1812

April 5th,

Elizabeth Baxter Nel-

April 14th,

Jacob Nelson1

son

May 31st,

John Watson

Oct. 5th,

Martha Haight

1815

1829

Nov 21,

Catharine Warren

Feb 15th,

Esther Bloomer

1816

June 25th,

Joseph Haight

Nov 3,

Mary Ann Merins

July 1st,

Ruth Selleck

1817

Dec 26th,

Janette Thompson

Dec 14,

Joshua Nelson

1830

1819

March 21st,

Hiram Lent

April 30,

Sally M. Tilletson

" 29th

, Mephiboseth Nelson

June 24,

Phebe Nelson

July 13th,

William A. Mead

1821

Sept 10th

Jacob Thompson

Mar 5,

Betsey J. Nelson

1831

1822
April 1,

Elizabeth Watson
James Nelson

Martha Haight

Aug 6th,

1823

Sept 20th,

Lucy Lee Watson

July 2,

Emeline Haight

Oct 13th,

Abigal Griffin

Aug 16,

Sarah Nelson2

1832

Oct 21

Cornelius Nelson

April 12th,

Martha Warren

1824

1833

May 1

Justus Warren3

Sept 12th,

Samuel C. Nelson

June 28,

Sophia Tilletson

1834

1825

Sept 15th,

Christopher Haight

March 2,

Nathan S. Selleck

Oct 13th,

Richard Hopper

April 2

Cyrus Nelson

" 26th

Sylvanus Haight

Martha Garrison

1835

April 10,

Katharine Nelson

Feby 1st,

Stephen Nelson

Dec 20,

Abraham Jenkins

" 2nd,

Phebe Nelson

1827

" 15th,

Hannah Austin

June 23,

Lieutenant Joel Jen-

1836

kins4

Jany 27th,

Sarah Ann Dusenbury

Sept 30,

Sarah Dorsett

April 25 th,

Jacob Denike Jr

1 Born 1761; son of Joshua and Sarah (Mandeville) Nelson.

2 Daughter of Jacob Mandeville. Born November 7, 1736. Married
Joshua Nelson, January 2, 1754.

3 Eldest son of Peter and Catharine (daughter of Justus Nelson) War-
ren. Married, January 12, 1820, Amy, daughter of John Griffin.

4 "A worthy of the Revolution."

5 Daughter of Joshua Nelson, born June 23, 1769. Married June 9,
1785, Harry Garrison.

The Parish Register

383

1836
Oct 14th,
" 19th,
1837
Sept 1st,
Dec 30th,
1839
March 1st,
" 30th,
April 10th,
" 12th,
Dec 9th,
1840
May 4th,
Sept 7th,
Oct 23rd,

1841
Jany 3rd,
July 17th,
" 27th,
" 28th,
Dec 12th,
1842
Feby 28th,
Sept 4th,
1843
March 22nd,
" 30th,
April 10th,

Emely Nelson
Sidney Mead

Captain John Warren1
Mary Jane Tilletson

Adah Raymond
Alexander H. Nelson
Jane Nelson Shephard
Jacob P. Nelson
Susan Davenport

Isaac D. Finch
Justus Miller
Captain Hy Haldane
Jr.

Cornelius Nelson2
Jacob Denike
Isaac Nelson
Ellen Nelson
Jacob Nelson

Chloe Nelson3
Daniel Haight

Thomas Hy Shephard
John Cronk
Margaret S. Williams4

1844
Aug 9th,

1845
May 2nd,
Aug 6th,
Sept 6th,
8 11th,

1847
Nov 29th,

1848
March 14th,
" 17th,

1849
July 31st,

1850
Dec 10th,

1851
Feby 1st,
Dec 17th,

1853
Sept 10th,
Nov 2nd,

1854
Jany 19th,

1855
May 19th,
Sept 21st,

1856
June 15th,

1858
April 24th,

Edward Griffin

Ann Cronyn
Harry Garrison
Rosalie Watson
Jane J. Nelson

James Thompson, Sr.

Elizabeth Jenkins
Dr Walter Watson

Seth Griffen

Jemima Curry

Elizabeth A. Nelson
Justus Nelson

Samuel Austin
Sarah Warren

Israel Jenkins

Joshua Turner
Joseph H. Conklin

Harriet Turner

Lydia W. Garrison

1 Born in the Highlands March 15th, 1765; eldest son of Samuel and
Esther (Rogers) Warren. Baptized February 22nd, 1767. Married, 1783,
Sarah, daughter of Justus Nelson. (For full account of the Warren family
see Journal of the Rev. Silas Constant, pp. 434-521.)

2 Born February 25th, 1758; eldest son of Justus and Hannah (Wright)
Nelson.

3 Wife of Cornelius, and daughter of Nicholas Budd by his wife Phebe
Covert. Born June 28th, 1766.

4 Born in Scotland; wife of the Rev. Ebenezer Williams.

5 Born March 17th, 1780. Son of Justus Nelson by his second wife,
Phebe, widow of Nicholas Budd. Married Laetitia, daughter of Joshua
Horton.

The History of St. Philip9 s Church

1858

1876

Sept 30th,

William Lester

Dec 18th,

Matthias Turner

1862

1877

March 1st,

Effie Griffen

Sept 4th,

John Griffin

1862

1880

Aug 4th

Sarah E. Hoffman

April 28th,

Richard Turner

Peter Hoffman

1881
Aug 26th,

1863

Gale H. Hustes

Feby 18th,

Amy Lecompte

1886

July 12th,

David N. Austin

Sept 16th,

Elizabeth J. Shephard

Oct 10th,

Chas. A. Turner

1887

" 16th,

Sharlett S. Turner

Feby 3rd,

Elizabeth McCombs

Nov 29th,

William McCombs

1889

Dec 28th,

Mary E. Turner

Mar 10th,

Euphemia Jenkins

1867

1890

June 4th,

Sarah Haight

Jany 10th,

Walter Paul

1868

Nov 25th,

Charity Jaycox Nel-

Jany 23rd,

Laetitia Nelson1

son2

July 1st,

John Thompson

1893

1873

Aug 7th,

Jane McCartney

George Donnington

1895

Oct 17th,

Elizabeth Ross

June 9th,

Emma F. Turner

1874

Nov 3rd,

Abraham Austin

CONFIRMATIONS.

1852, Sept. 8th:

By Carlton Chase, Bishop of New Hampshire.

Presented by the Rev. David E. Barr.
Eliza D. Arden George Garrison

Margaret Garrison William Garrison

Fannie Devoe John Hopper

1853, May 16th:

By Bishop Wainwright of New York.

Presented by Rev. David E. Barr.
Janet Austin James Nelson

Devoe Jacob Nelson

Sarah Garrison Joseph Upjohn

1 Born February 23rd, 1785; daughter of Joshua Horton and wife of
Justus Nelson, 2nd.

2 Wife of Cornelius Mandeville Nelson. Died in the 99th year of her age.

The Parish Register

385

Susan Turner
Lydia Jenkins
Abby Jane Bloomer
Frances Maguire
Benjamin Turner

1856, July 12th:

By Bishop Horatio Potter.
Nathan F. Whiting of
West Point.

1858, July:

By Bishop Horatio Potter.
Presented by the Rev. Dr. Joel Clap.

John Miller

Elizabeth Garrison (infirm

— in private)
Mary Nelson (infirm — in

private)

Mrs. Eliza Belcher
Mrs. Mary J. Young
Mrs. Mary J. Garrison
Phebe Ann Tompkins
George Arden
Mrs. Catherine Currey

Mrs. Phebe C. Wood
Mrs. Euphemia Jenkins
Samuel Turner
Mrs. Mary J. Turner
Hannah Turner
Laetitia Turner

1861, May 1st:

By Bishop Horatio Potter.

Presented by the Rev. Charles Frederick Hoffman.

Robinson Hopper

Patia Bailey

Joseph Smith Bailey

Hannah Turner

Louisa Ash

Jane Lowry

Francis Miller

Mary Gilbert

Sarah Catherine Devoe

Georgiana Devoe
Harry Arden
Hannah Currie
Mary Currie
Sarah Warren
Rachel Van Tassel
Jesse Austin
Peter Mellvill

1862, May 1st:

By Bishop Horatio Potter.

Presented by the Rev. Charles Frederick Hoffman.
Delia Mead Catherine Elizabeth Bunte

Harriet Lee Sarah Brosse (in private)

The Histbry ofSt. Philip9 s Church

Sarah Tompkins Mary Hannah French

Fannie Clara Homer (from West Point) .

Mary Eliza Turner

1863, May 1st:

By Bishop Horatio Potter.

Presented by Rev. Charles Frederick Hoffman.

Effaline Conklin Ann Dickinson

Hannah Jane Conklin Catherine Van Tassel

George Miller Loretta Turner

Lydia Currie Mary Austin

Emma Augusta Nelson David McGuire

Matthias Turner Susan Miller

Elizabeth Turner Jane Miller.
Thomas Austin

1864, May 4th:

By Bishop Horatio Potter.

Presented by the Rev. Charles Frederick Hoffman.
Mary Jane Moffatt Sarah Monnet

Rachel Ann Mason Eliza McCoombs

Melissa Denike Margaret Jane Cables

1865, May 1st:

By Bishop Horatio Potter.

Presented by the Rev. Charles Frederick Hoffman.
Margaret Austin Mary Philipse Gouverneur

Efeline Valentine Annie McGuire

Mary Ann Williamson

1869, Aug. 29th:

By Bishop Horatio Potter.

Presented by the Rev. Charles Frederick Hoffman.

George A. Iselin (from S. Helen Huggins (from As-

Mark's, New York) cension, N. Y.)

Harriet Denike Charles Frederick Hoff-
Ella Denike man, Jr.

Joel B. Austin Laura Isabel Hoffman

The Parish Register 387

Alwildy F. Austin Margaret Price

Othiniel Eshleman John Price

David McGuire Charles Colver

Michael Laquish Abram Austin

Josephine Mason Moses Belcher

Mary Elizabeth Mason Margaret Tomkins

1870, Aug. 14th:

By Bishop Horatio Potter.

Presented by the Rev. Charles Frederick Hoffman.

William Walker John Bliss Miller

George Colver Hannah Laquish (in pri-

Adalina Meeks vate)

1871, May 31st:

By Bishop Horatio Potter.

Presented by the Rev. Charles Frederick Hoffman.

Robert Potter Ella Francis Miller

David Austin George William Austin

Robert William Chute Holmes

1872, Aug. 31st:

By Bishop Horatio Potter.

Presented by the Rev. Charles Frederick Hoffman.

George Price William Lewis Calver.

1876, July 16th:

By Bishop Horatio Potter.

Presented by the Rev. Albert Zabriskie Gray.
Emmeline Denike Matilda Price
Susan Elvira Denike Martha Ann Garrison
Phebe Hannah Jenkins Catharine Wadsworth Phi-
Amy Jane Ferris lipse
Mary Emma Meeks Phebe Cornell
Annie Meeks Elizabeth Underhill Floyd-
Caroline Meeks Jones
Emma Frances Turner George Matthews

The History of St. Philip's Church

1877;

By Bishop Horatio Potter.

Presented by the Rev. Albert Zabriskie Gray.

Mary Wigham

Margaret Gouverneur Phi-

lipse
Catharine Ann Jenkins
Joel David Jenkins
Thomas Jefferson Stevens
Frederick James Hall
Cora Louise Bean

Fillimore Austin
Clara Livingston
William Tompkins
George Shoulder
Mary Newall Bean
James Courtney
Elizabeth Haight

1879, July 20th:

By Bishop Seymour of Springfield, 111.
Presented by the Rev. Albert Zabriskie Gray.

Mary Frances Valentine
Emma Frances Austin
Ella Josephine Austin
Matilda Cruikshank Skene
Margaret Anna Skene
Mary Jeannette Garrison
Kate Diamond

Mary Elizabeth Heustis
Harvey Lent (aged 84)
Charles Augustus Brosse
Ann Jane Brosse
John Robinson]
Wallace Homer

1880, Nov. 7th:

By Bishop Horatio Potter.

Presented by the Rev. Albert Zabriskie Gray.

Edith Livingston Fish Josephine Outhouse

Edith Wugham Grace Diamond

Mary Eliza Outhouse Lucy Smith

Mary Elizabeth Hopper Seymour Allen Hopper

1884, Oct. 19th:

By Bishop Henry Codman Potter.

Presented by the Rev. Walter Thompson.
John Garrison Elizabeth Haddon

Emma Louise Garrison Charlotte Brosse

Julia Meeks John C. Nelson

The Parish Register 389

1889, June 14th:

By Bishop Henry Codman Potter.

Presented by the Rev. Walter Thompson.
James Austin Benjamin Nelson

George Garrison Benjamin Brosse

Joseph Meeks Harriet Brosse

Charles Nelson

1891, May 22nd:

By Bishop Henry Codman Potter.

Presented by the Rev. Walter Thompson.

Albert Haight, Jr. Justus Austin

Alexander St. Clair An- Mrs. Charles Paul

derson Mrs. Aron Mason

Nellie Mary Austin Laura Homer

Ruth Alida Haight Mary Rixon

Kate Riley Mrs. John Denike

William A. Nelson Mrs. William Maguire

Sarah Jane Gillette Mrs. Edward Denike

Emma Avery Minnie Warren

Mrs. Fillimore Austin Mrs. George Miller
Mrs. Albert Haight

1892, June 10th:

By Bishop Henry Codman Potter.

Presented by the Rev. Walter Thompson.
Edward Denike Bertha Schmidt

John Denike Anna Austin

Jacob Newell Alice Rixon

Eliza Newell
1896, May 29th:

By Bishop Henry Codman Potter.

Presented by the Rev. Walter Thompson.
Grace Lewis Susan Scholderfer

Florence Mason Jesse Mclvors

Francis West Isabella Allen

Samuel Wood David Heustis

John Homer James H. Dibbell

Francis Maguire Frances Webb

390 The History of St. Philip' s C hurch

1899, Apr. 23rd:

By Bishop Henry Codman Potter.

Presented by the Rev. Carroll Perry.

Mrs. William Buckley Annie Buckley

John Curtis Nellie Allen

Alexander Stephens Katherine Archie

Terence King May Gillette

Fred Allen Anna Heustis

Frank Middleton Richard Rixon, Jr.

1899, July 10th:

By Bishop Leighton Coleman of Delaware.

Presented by the Rev. Carroll Perry.
Mrs. Norris Haight Mrs. Hodden

Janet Fish Virginia Osborn

Julia Fish

1901, May 12th:

By Bishop Henry Codman Potter.

Presented by the Rev. Carroll Perry.
Mrs. Archie Minnie Trevorah

Mrs. Garry Vandermark Annie McGuire

Tenny Archie Jennie Scholderfer

Sadie Buckley Robert Haight

Margaret Middleton Joseph King

1903, June 25th:

By Bishop Coleman of Delaware.

Presented by the Rev. Carroll Perry.
Bessie Trevorah Louise S. Carroll

Martha Jane Trevorah Clara Cheesman

Louise Trevorah Sara Cheesman

1905, June 13th:

By Bishop Henry Codman Potter.

Presented by the Rev. Carroll Perry.
David Jordan Durol Haight

Howard Rose Betsy Denny

Frederick Haight Edna Birkins

The Parish Register 391

1908, May 1st:

By Bishop Courtney late of Nova Scotia.

Presented by the Rev. E. Clowes Chorley.

Aaron Mason (in private) James Whitehill

Albert Jenkins John Haight

Frank Jenkins Irene Maguire

Kenneth Chorley Bessie Scholderfer

Lewis Davis Winifred Ford Chorley

Tom Davis Malvina Haight

John Allen Mrs. Frank Davis
James Griggs

1909, Oct. 19th:

By Bishop David H. Greer.

Presented by the Rev. E. Clowes Chorley.
Thomas Paul Irma Davis

Cuthbert Taylor Irene Birkins

Henry Hussing Bertha Blasier

Irving Carlton Valentine Helen Bickel

Nelson Lewis Mabel Roff

Mrs. Nelson Lewis Minnie Dibbell

1910, Nov. 1st:

By Bishop Lucien Lee Kinsolving
Presented by the Rev. E. Clowes Chorley.
Helena Livingston Fish Veronica Julia Frazier

1910, Dec. 8th:

By Bishop Greer.

Presented by the Rev. E. Clowes Chorley.
Natalie Bell Susan Mosher

To those who can read between the lines these records
present features of surpassing interest. They bear
ample witness to the faithful and devoted pastoral ser-
vice of men who now "rest from their labors," and inci-
dentally they show the wear and tear of church life in a
country parish. The vast majority of families here
recorded have been lost to the parish by removal or death.

392 The History of St. Philip's Church

If any justification were needed for the missionary
work which St. Philip's has maintained faithfully for
nearly fifty years it would be found in the list of bap-
tisms. In eight years the Rev. Charles Frederick
Hoffman baptized seventy persons at the chapel, and an
unusual number of them were adults. It was no un-
common thing to receive whole families into the Church
by Holy Baptism.

On September 16th, 1873, the following remarkable
record stands in the list of baptisms,

George Washington Williams, 14 years.

Belcher Williams, 2 years.

Emma Williams, 4 years.

Betsy Williams, 5 years.

Emma Williams, 1 year.

Phoebe Wells, 9 years.

Amelia Wells, 7 years.

Annie Wells, 2 years.

Marzara Wells, 5 years.

Trinity Wells, 6 years.

Elizabeth Wells, 7 months.

Eleven baptisms, at which the Rev. Wm. F. Morgan,
D. D., a summer resident, officiated! The Rector of the
parish, the Rev. C. F. Hoffman, adds this interesting
note to the record:

The following account has been given to me of this
remarkable occurrence: The Rev. Dr. Morgan, who
was staying temporarily at Garrison, was passing
along the road near the rectory gate when he was ac-
costed by a party of travellers or gypsies, who repre-
sented themselves as Church of England people, going
to England. Having asked if he was a clergyman,
they requested him to baptize their children. Dr.

The Parish Register 393

Morgan, having said he would see the Rector, came
to the rectory and finding he was absent and away
from the parish (the travellers intended to leave in
the afternoon), the parents and children having fol-
lowed Dr. Morgan, he went into the church and
baptized them.

They went their way, but the end was not yet. On
the 9th of October, 1875, there stands this entry in the
register of baptisms: "Ruth, daughter of Thomas and
Victoria Williams," with this note in the handwriting of
the Rev. Albert Zabriskie Gray, "The same family of
English wanderers baptized by the Rev. Dr. Morgan
two years ago."

APPENDIX.

Note on Rev. Bernard Page.

Some additional information has come to light in the manuscript
records of the Claims of the American Loyalists, from which it appears
that Mr. Page preached as a candidate for the parish of Wyoming, Pa.,
in 1771 and in August of the following year was appointed to the parish,
by the Bishop of London. In December, 1775, he was Curate at
Joppa, Md., where he remained for three months. He departed for
England on the 23rd of January, 1777. Mr. Page claimed £500 for
losses and service during the Revolution which claim was disallowed by
the Commissioner on the ground of "insufficient evidence." (Amer-
ican Loyalist MSS. Vol. L., pp. 360-371.)

Additional Note on Political affiliation on the Manor of Cortlandt.

The contemporary accounts are somewhat conflicting. It is stated
under date of February 17th, 1775, as follows: "It is said that at least
three-fourths of the people in Cortlandt's Manor, New York, have
declared their unwillingness to enter into the Congressional measures."
(Moore, Diary of the Revolution, Vol. I, p. 22.)

Holfs Journal of March 2nd, 1775, comments thus on the foregoing
statement: "There are not any of the landholders in said manor, except
one C(orne) y, a miller, at Peekskill, and a few interlopers of his
kidney, that are of that perverse sentiment. The proprietor of the
manor of Cortlandt, together with all the other landholders except the
above miller and his few adherent Tories are unanimous in favor of
the Congress measure."

Additional note on the Purdy family.

The toryism of the Purdy family is illustrated in the following para-
graph from Rivington's Gazette of April 20th, 1775: "March 28th —
This evening was married at the White Plains, Westchester County,
New York, Mr. Gabriel Purdy, youngest son of Mr. Samuel Purdy, to
the agreeable Miss Charity Purdy, daughter of Mr. Joseph Purdy, both
of that loyal town. What is particularly remarkable in the affair, is
this, the guests consisted of forty-seven persons: thirty-seven of whom
were Purdys, and not a single Whig among them"

Appendix

By the courtesy of Mr. H. H. Cammann, the Comp-
troller, the following documents have been copied from
the manuscript archives of the Corporation of Trinity
Church.

PETITION OF THE VESTRY TO THE COR-
PORATION OF TRINITY CHURCH, 1795.

We the Wardens and Vestry of the Protestant Epis-
copal Church at Peekskill and in the Highlands beg
leave to represent to the Rector, Wardens and Vestry
of Trinity Church in the City of New York, the un-
happy situation of our respective Churches. This
being the seat of the late war they were nearly de-
stroyed between the British and American armies —
In consequence of the injuries we suffered both Pub-
lic and private, we were rendered incapable, for many
years, of doing anything towards repairing them; dur-
ing which time we were repeatedly urged by different
Denominations to embrace their respective modes
of Worship and reconcile ourselves to their minis-
trations. But firmly attached to the Episcopal
Church, we could never be led to conceive it our
Duty to forsake its interest. At length recovering
ourselves in some measure from the calamities in
which we were involved by the War, and anxiously
solicitous once more of enjoying a form of Worship
so well calculated to inspire Devotion, by our united
efforts we so far repaired our respective Churches,
altho' tottering to their fall as to enable us to use them
for the noble purpose of Divine Worship. Besides the
difficulties above mentioned, our Churches were
loaded with a debt of several hundred pounds, which
we have wholly and happily discharged.

396 The History of St. Philip9 s C hurch

And now many raparations being essentially neces-
sary to render them convenient, which we are un-
able to make, we beg leave to solicit the charitable
and humane assistance of that Church in New York
whom we consider as our head and upon whom the
bounties of Providence have been showered down in
a rich profusion — Could we by any means possess our-
selves of about two hundred pounds for each of our
aforesaid Churches, we flatter ourselves it would
enable us, with our own exertions, to make the neces-
sary repairs and to hold a respectable rank in the
Church of Christ in this Land — Whatever that
Church to whom we respectfully make this petition
shall see fit to bestow upon us for the purposes above
mentioned, will be very thankfully rec'd, and grate-
fully acknowledged and we are in duty bound should
endeavour ever to maintain a just sense of the obli-
gations we should be under for so timely and so
truly needful aid and assistance.

With the greatest respect we subscribe ourselves the
Rector, Wardens and Vestry's devoted and most
humble servants

Silvenus Haight j Wardens.
Caleb Morgan J

Daniel Haight
Isaac Devenport
Isaac Mead
Elijah Morgan, Jr.
William Douglass
Smith Jones
Harry Garrison

Peekskill

Easter Monday 1795

Jacob Nelson
Clerk.

Vestry Men

Appendix 397

II.

LETTER OF WILLIAM DENNING TO
REV. MR. HARGILL.1

Beverly in the Highlands,

10 Sept 1795.
Revd Sir

It may perhaps not be amiss that I make a few re-
marks to you upon the former and present state of the
Corporation of the United Churches of S. Peters and
S. Philips especially as from the frequent communica-
tions I have had with you on the subject, it appears
to me, you have been led to believe those congrega-
tions are able to do more than they really are. When
S. Peters was built near Peekskill so very unable were
the Episcopalians to accomplish it that they called
upon their friends of the Presbyterian congregation
to assist them and promised that whenever the build-
ing was unoccupied by the Episcopal Congregation
that of the Presbyterian should have the use of it.
This seems to have been well understood and con-
ceeded by the Episcopalians.

Some considerable time subsequent to this, S.
Philips Church in the Highlands was built by sub-
scription assisted by liberal donations from its Patrons,
but even this was far short of finishing the Church
on the inside tolerably decent. The people were then,
as they are now, poor. The two Churches were
however Incorporated, the Reverend Mr. Doty,
Rector. Mr. Robinson to promote the establishment
gave to the Corporation a farm about 200 acres on
condition that they purchased and paid for the im-
provements and built a house for the Rector. The
improvements were purchased, the house built and

1 There is no mention of Mr. Hargill in the parochial records. It
probably refers to the Rev. Samuel Haskell.

398 The History of St. Philip's Church

the Rector moved into it. This involved a debt of
between three and four hundred pounds with which
the Corporation was incumbered when the late war
began, and the farm was not to be granted till the debt
was paid.

A little previous to the War, the Rector, Mr. Doty,
gave up his charge. During the War no regular wor-
ship took place in either of the Churches and the
interest of this weak and infant Institution seemed
wholly abandoned.

The Parsonage house was much injured by the
troops, the timber on the farm entirely destroyed and
not the vestige of a fence remained.

S. Peters Church was much injured, S. Philips in the
Highlands had nothing left of it but the floor and
frame. The siding, floors and windows were all taken
away carried to West Point and appropriated to pub-
lic use; for the depredations last mentioned not one
farthing has ever been allowed. For the destruction
of Timbers and fences at the Parsonage house a sum
has been received sufficient to clear the Corporation
of the debt incurred as above mentioned, which en-
abled the Corporation to apply to the Legislature for
and obtain a grant of the farm agreeable to the
original conditions.

Thus stood matters relative to those Churches when
a few friends met and consulted about repairing and
opening them for the purpose of having the Gospel
again preached to the people. For this pious and
laudable purpose a subscription was set on foot, and
altho the people appeared zealous, yet so inadequate
was the sum subscribed, that the burthen fell on a few
liberal patrons.

St. Philips Church was decently repaired glazed and
painted. The Parsonage clear and under some small
repairs. In this state our little fund was exhausted.
We have had no other assistance than the Congrega-

Appendix 399

tion, except from the worthy and pious Mrs. Ogilvie.
The Congregations are unable to make further con-
tributions at present. The people early anxious to
have the Churches open, they have been gratified,
but under very discouraging circumstances, particu-
larly in their first essay of a preacher. The poverty
& great inability of the people still keeps those united
churches in a languishing state, & I assure you, Sir,
that I am of the opinion the interest of Episcopacy
would be greatly promoted by their being a little
aided. I believe $1000 with what has been done would
put this suffering institution in very compleat repair,
and then with your own exertions I am sure it would
become a respectable branch of our Church, and be
found to merit the Patronage & protection of our Re-
putable Clergy whose attention has been so often ex-
perienced by other infant institutions and who do not
yet know the state of the Corporation in question.

I have also to suggest to you that we have an Epis-
copal school in forwardness, the completion of which
depends on further assistance.

I am sorry to be obliged to tell you that there is no
present prospect of any other or additional encour-
agement to the Clergyman, so that the Farm as it now
is, with the salary subscribed is all we have to offer,
and you must be the best judge whether those are
inducements sufficient for you to continue. You will
however do me the justice to recollect that on your
first application to me about those Churches I gave
you no other encouragement than what the above
statement would justify. I told you the Parsonage
wanted repair and the farm fencing, that the whole
sum to be expected from both congregations would
not exceed from £75 to £100 per annum, this I be-
lieve, you find literally true.

I do not however despair seeing those people one day
better able to support a Clergyman and also seeing

400 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

the Corporation respectable, and perhaps if it was
better known, it would have some able advocates, for
which purpose I have no objection to your showing
this statement to whom you may think proper.
I am with great Respect & Esteem

Your most Hble Svt

Wm. Denning
Reverend Mr. Hargill.

III.

LETTER OF WILLIAM DENNING TO
BISHOP PROVOOST.

New York 18 Jany 1796.
Rev Sir,

As great exertions have been made by the Congre-
gations of the United Churches of S. Peters and S.
Philips — the former situate near Peekskill & the latter
in the Highlands, & the abilities of those congregations
being still greatly inadequate to the repair of those
Churches and the Parsonage to make them comfort-
able, permit me to recommend them to the Patronage
of the Corporation of Trinity Church, and that the
gentlemen of the Vestry may judge of the necessities
of the Corporation of the said United Churches I
most respectfully intreat their indulgence in stating
the former and present situation of the same.

S. Peters near Peekskill was built by subscription
and by liberal donations about 30 years ago. Some-
time afterwards S. Philips in the Highlands was built
in the same manner under the patronage of Beverly
Robinson Esq., but neither finished within. They
were incorporated by Governor Try on & the Rev. Mr.
Doty chosen Rector.

Mr. Robinson gave a farm of about 200 acres of
land for a glebe on condition that the Corporation
would purchase the improvements and build a house

Appendix 401

for the Rector. This was done but involved a debt
which lay heavily on the Corporation & prevented
a Deed being obtained from Mr. Robinson.

At the commencement of the late War Mr. Doty
moved away. The Parsonage house was occupied
and greatly injured by the troops of the French
Army, & S. Philips in the Highlands had the windows,
the sidings, the floors taken away for the use of West
Point, & nothing of it left but the Roof and the frame.

In this situation the present Patrons found it and at
great private expense repaired it, as not one farthing
could ever be obtained from the public for its destruc-
tion.

The damages done however to the Parsonage & the
farm was after the most assiduous pains, taken for
that purpose, recompensed by a sum which enabled
the Vestry to pay the debt above mentioned & obtain
a grant from the Legislature for the Farm agreeable
to the conditions stipulated by Mr. Robinson and the
land is now the property of the Corporation.

But the people are too poor either to compleat
those Churches or to fence and repair the Glebe. It
is needless to mention the exertions that have been
made, from a disposition to promote this Episcopal
Establishment, they have exceeded expectations after
being so long abandoned.

The Rev. Mr. Hargill is the present preacher at a
salary from £75 to £100 a year which requires every
exertion to compleat, but it is increasing and with due
encouragement will soon amount to a much larger
sum. Mr. Hargill however, will abandon those little
Churches also unless the House and farm can be put
in better repair.

I am of opinion that $1000 added to what the people
can do will put the Churches, the house and the farm
in very comfortable repair, and I have reason to be-
lieve that this infant Corporation will with some at-

402 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

tention become a very respectable branch of the
Episcopal Churches in this State and inspire the re-
spective Congregations with great gratitude for this or
any assistance afforded to them by the Corporation
of Trinity Church.

I conceive it a duty I owe to the exertions of those
poor people to request the favour of you Sir, to lay
this statement before the Vestry of Trinity Church.
With great Respect
Reverend Sir

Your most Hble Svt

Wm. Denning.
The Rev
Bishop Provoost.

The following documents have been copied from the
collection of MS letters addressed to the Rt. Rev. John
Henry Hobart, Bishop of New York, and preserved in the
archives of the General Convention of the Protestant
Episcopal Church.

COPY OF A PAPER FOUND IN THE HOBART LET-
TERS AT THE CHURCH MISSIONS HOUSE.

(Unsigned and dated 18th February, 1813.)

State of the United Episcopal Churches, S.
Philip's in the town of Philipse, County of Putnam
(late Dutchess), and S. Peter's, in the town of Cort-
landt, County of Westchester.

S. Philip's Church is situate near the banks of the
Hudson, nearly opposite West Point, and about mid-
way of the Highlands. Is a small building on a very
beautiful commanding rising ground, with two acres
of land, and a small schoolhouse attached to it.

Appendix 403

S. Peter's is about 6 miles south of S. Philip's, and 2
miles north of Peekskill.

A few years previous to the Revolutionary War
those churches were built, incorporated and a minis-
ter, Mr. Doughty, took charge of the said incorpora-
tion. The late Beverly Robinson Esq. having a
wish to make this Establishment permanent, took
Mr. Doughty and his wife into his own family until
a Parsonage House and a Glebe could be furnished
for a settled clergyman to live, and Mr. Robinson
made a present to the Corporation of a farm of land
lying on the then Post road, and belonging to his
estate, containing upwards of two hundred acres, and
with the aid of a subscription, built a good house
thereon, to which Mr Doughty1 removed.

But the grantor, having delayed executing a deed,
with the whole of Mr. and Mrs. Robinson's estate,
became vested in the people of the State of New
York.2

With Mr. and Mrs. Robinson's generous gift Wil-
liam Denning was acquainted, and, with some others,
joined in a petition to the Legislature (of which he was
then a member) for a grant to the full extent of the
first grant or intention. Some members of the Pres-
byterian congregation however, entering a claim on
the ground that the gift was designed for both denomi-
nations, the grant was not obtained. But some time
after, when by proving the Episcopal claim, a Law is
passed for the grant, and it continues vested in this
Corporation.

One acre on which S. Philip's stood was in the same
predicament with the Glebe when it fell within a
location made by William Denning, to which he added
another acre reserved to the Church for ever.

1 Doty.

2 The Glebe was restored to the parish in 1792.

404 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

During the said War, S. Philip's Church, being in
the vicinity of the armies, suffered greatly. Nothing
of it remained but the frame and the roof. The floor,
siding, doors and windows destroyed or taken away.

The late Mrs. Ogilvie contributed generously which,
with a very scanty aid from an indigent population
and the residue furnished by William Denning, the
Church was repaired; the floor laid, the siding, doors
and windows replaced, a pulpit and altar erected, the
church painted, and a small decent schoolhouse
built on the premises. This was done in 1786.1
A few pews were erected by individuals, and tempo-
rary seats of plank for the convenience of others.

Several essays were made to establish a respectabel
clergyman, but the sum subscribed held out indifferent

encouragement to such. A Mr. officiated

prior to his taking Orders; he stayed but a short time;
then a Mr. Fowler, then a Mr. Haskell, and then a
Mr. Warren, and long intervals entirely destitute.
The present incumbent is the Rev. Mr. Urquhart.

During the ministry of Mr. Fowler or Mr. Haskell
the Corporation of Trinity Church extended its be-
nevolent aid to those Churches, to what amount is not
recollected, but suppose about five hundred pounds,
with an injunction, however, that it should be in-
vested in lands, the rents or usuries of which should
be applied toward the support of the minister for the
time being.

William Denning's residence in the neighbourhood
of S. Philips being only four months in the year, ren-
dered it inconvenient for him to officiate as a member
of the Corporation, and very unfortunately, those
who had the care of the interest of those Churches, at
the time of the gift, vested the money in lands since

1 Almost certainly a clerical error for 1796. The first mention of the
building of a schoolhouse occurs in the minutes of the Vestry in 1793.
— E. C. C.

Appendix 405

proved to be incumbered by Mortgages, and will
eventually lost to the Corporation unless the mort-
gaged premises is bought in and the mortgage paid
off, and to this end the Corporation is totally incom-
petent. The land is said to be worth much more
than the demand against it.

The Glebe Farm is a very valuable tract of land, and
its value increasing. It rents however at present for
one Hundred dollars only. This, with subscriptions,
maynowyieldtoMr. Urquhart about $300 per annum.
The avails of the incumbered lot has failed entirely.

Both the Churches want repairs. Under these
circumstances, and the tardy collection of rent (owing
to the tenant repairing the parsonage) the present in-
cumbent, altho aided by a school, would have found
it difficult to subsist last Fall, until Captain Philipse,
William Henderson and William Denning contributed
by gift to his relief.

In December last, several members of the Vestry
concurred in a scheme for selling the Glebe. The
manner of the gift from Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, the
obtaining a confirmation of that gift by a Law of the
State, and a certainty of a future fund to the Churches,
induced William Denning to oppose that measure of
sale, and it is sincerely to be hoped it never will again
be attempted.

The Churches, as before observed, are nearly six
miles apart. The Glebe and Parsonage House lays
between; the population is increasing, and it is cer-
tain that if the same was duly encouraged by the
fostering care and attention of the Corporation of
Trinity Church, and the Respectable and Reverend
Body of the Clergy of the Episcopal Churches of the
city of New York, those churches would no longer
languish for want of encouragement, but become a
respectable member of and acquisition to the Epis-
copal interest in the State.

406 The History of St. Philip9 s Church

There is a good orchard on the Glebe, and it is under
pretty good cultivation, and the Corporation is not
in debt.

The congregation has been greatly lessened by other
denominations taking advantage of the paralised
state the Churches remained so long without funds,
and without a minister, but on arrival of its prosperity
would soon recover those members and many others.

It is much to be hoped that this statement of the
real condition of those long neglected Churches,
will induce an enquiry and attention that will tend
to secure this beneficial Establishment to the Union
of the Episcopal interest.

The writer of this article has thought it his duty
to make this representation, submitting it to the
deliberation and wisdom of those to whom it is in-
tended to be made known, the measures proper to
be pursued.
New York,

18th February, 1813.

II.

LETTER OF HARRY GARRISON TO
BISHOP HOBART.

Pleasant Valley,

Sept 3, 1813

Dear Sir,

As an application has been made to me this day for

my signature in favor of Mr. , our late

rector, for some assistance from Trinity Church in
New York, I have thought it proper to state to you
briefly my reasons for not putting my signature to
that Instrument.

In the first place, I will not be the means of de-
ceiving your honorable Body for objects different
from what they may at first appear, and there are

Appendix 407

reasons offered up in that certificate that may oper-
ate unfriendly to our two churches here and at
Peekskill. I have thought it my duty to state to you
some of the reasons why we are so poor as set forth
in the certificate above alluded to. The truth is, the
present rector has conducted himself so far from what
I conceive to be proper, that he has driven all his
hearers from the church, and from the support of the
same with a very exceptions, and from the face of
the certificate you are to draw conclusions that all
is right on his part, which is not the case.

Yet, I am willing if the Officers of Trinity Church

shall be disposed to assist Mr. to support

his family, or to give him some aid, but not from an
impression that he has done his duty here, and the
congregation so poor that they can no longer support
him — we are as able today to support a good rector as
we were the first day he came to our place — but are
not willing to pay him.

Intemperance is a crime in common life, and a
great one in the Clerical department. I am con-
strained by motives of duty to make this representa-
tion to you as the Head of our Church. If this man
had shown amendment of life since his late miscon-
duct, I should say, forgive him, but when I see the
Minister administer the Holy Sacraments to his con-
gregation, warning them of the consequences of re-
ceiving the same unworthily, and before the sun sets
of the same day, so far forget himself and the God who
he affects to represent, as to make a beast of himself,
and so intoxicated as to ly along the streets so drunk
as not to be able to go, and the people pointing the
finger of scorn at him — that man is a preacher of the
gospel — how would your feelings recoil at such a sight,
and what is to be expected from such a preacher?

This is our situation, and now Sir, judge if I have
done right or not. I pledge my honour for the

408 The History of St. Philip9 s C hurch

truth of every sentence contained in this letter. I
have had my doubts whether or not I ought to make
this statement, but my friends, and the friends of the
Church tell me I ought to do it. However, I confess
if the certificate above alluded to had not been pre-
sented to me, I should have held my peace on this un-
pleasant and painful subject, for so it truly is to me.
But if any part is denied I stand ready to make such
proof as to put the matter beyond all doubt. I will
then send a statement of facts under the oaths of as
many persons as are necessary to prove the same to a
demonstration.

Mr. Henderson, the bearer, can state such things
to you of my character as you can wish to know.

I remain with Respect and Esteem,
your obedient servant,

Harry Garrison

one of the Wardens.

III.

LETTER FROM THE REV. EDWARD J. IVES
TO BISHOP HOBART.

Peekskill,

March 5th, 1827.
Rt. Rev. and Dear Sir,

I called at your house on Thursday last in order to
see you upon business relative to my church; not
finding you at home, I thought it best to commu-
nicate to you in writing what I intended to say.

In compliance with your request I came into the
Parishes of Peekskill and Philipstown immediately
after I had received letters of recommendation from
you to the most influential and wealthy Episcopalians
who professed to belong to them.

I found the Church in a wretched, disorganized state,
its former members strayed from the "true fold," and

Appendix 409

but very few left who nominally were Episcopalians,
and these ignorant of the usages and institutions of
their Church.

Methodism and Calvinism and what not had led
them into the paths of error and schism, and the
general cry was "it is no matter what we are, so long
as we believe in and agree the fundamental doctrines
of Christianity."

Lamentable to relate, this cry (to the injury of our
Church) is made even among those who call them-
selves Churchmen. These professions of charity on
the part of Episcopalians are very pleasing in the ear
of those who once persecuted us to the death, but who
are now, from sinister motives, adopting a contrary
course.

But it affords me infinite pleasure in mentioning to
you that the societies now under my charge are in a
more flourishing state than what they were two or
three months after I came here.

The Church in the Highlands has been repaired
since I came here. They raised a subscription to the
amount of five hundred dollars to do it. It is now
well finished, and has had an addition of five to ten
communicants.

The Church at Peekskill is out of repair and it re-
quires about one hundred dollars to make it decent to
meet in.

I ask charity, and I hope it may not be refused
since my people have exerted themselves thus far to
restore what once might have been preserved to the
honour and respectability of the Church by prudent
and judicious management. But my salary is in-
sufficient to support me. I must have assistance
from some source, or relinquish the charge of these
parishes.

The object of my visiting you was, in part, to ask
charity to support my little family. My salary for

410 The History of St. Philip* s C hurch

the ensuing year is to be only $300 — a little more if
they may get it — a scanty pittance indeed. The situ-
ation would do very well for a man without a family,
but a person having one could not meet his annual
expenses — unless this should become a sphere for mis-
sionary labour — and a very important one it would
make.

Could I not, Dear Sir, obtain (through your assist-
ance) a more eligible situation?

Is Mr. Crosby to remain at White Plains?

Is the present clergyman to remain in New Bedford
and North Salem? I ask these questions, indulging
the belief, that you will afford me all the assistance
within your power.

Another object in visiting you was to obtain your
advice with regard to the disposal of the Parsonage.
At the last parish meeting the officers of my church
resolved to dispose of it, provided it met with your
approbation, and Judge Garrison was authorised to
address you on the subject — the same as he says he
has done, and has not yet received an answer to his
letter.

The annual avails from the Farm do not exceed
$100, and part of this is to be appropriated to repairs
on it. It will command (it is supposed) when offered
for sale three or four thousand dollars. Is it not best
to dispose of it, and invest the amount in safe and
permanent stock in N. Y.?

I wish for your advice on this subject, as soon as
you can conveniently communicate it to me, and any
further assistance from you, Rt. Rev. and Dear Sir,
would be gratefully appreciated by your sincere friend
and

Obt Svt,

Edward J. Ives.

Rt. Rev. J. H. Hobart,

APPENDIX ADDENDA.

Additional note on Beverly Robinson.

Since going to press the original manuscript of the Minutes of the Com-
mittee before which Colonel Beverly Robinson was summoned has been
discovered amongst the archives preserved in Washington's Headquarters,
Newburgh, N. Y., and they are here transcribed by the courtesy of the
Trustees.

Feb 22, 1777. Beverly Robinson Esq appeared before the Committee
appointed by the Convention of the State of New York
for enquiring into Detecting and Defeating all con-
spiracies that may be framed against the Liberties of
the Same and the Board of Commissioners appointed
by the Convention for the same purpose.
Present

John Jay Esq

Judge Graham

Natha Sackett members of committee

Colonel Swartwout

Egbert Benson

Malancton Smith Commissioners.

he was interigated in the following manner Vizt
Mr Jay — Sir, you having observed an Equivocal neutrality thro' the
course of your conduct the Committee is at a Loss to know
how to Rank you
Mr Robinson — Sir it is True, at first I offered my Servis to the pub-
lick but they Did not think it proper to Chuse me
Since which Time I have made my Self Prisoner on
my farm in order to keep my self from a necessity of
expressing my sentiments.
Mr Jay — Sir, your son has gone to New York to the enemy
Mr Robinson — No, Sir, he is gone to Long Island
Mr Jay — Sir, the Committee is informed that when your Son was
about Taking a Commission you was much Displeased at it .
Mr Robinson — I was not Sir but I believe that the committees through
their Severity have made a Great many Tories for it
is natural when a man is hurt to kick

412 The History of St. Philip' s C hurch

Mr Jay — Sir, we have passed the Rubicon and it is now necessary
every man Take his part, Cast off allegiance to the King of
Great Britain and take an oath of Aliegiance to the States
of america or Go over to the Enemy for we have Declared
ourselves Independent
Mr Robinson — Sir, I cannot Take the Oath, but should be exceeding
Glad to stay in the Country, to enable me to stay in
the Country, and expecting that there would be a great
Deal of Trouble about the forts in the Spring I have
already sent some of my Goods farther Back in the
Country to patersons (Paterson) and I should be Ex-
tremely unhappy in being obliged to go over to the
enemy for I have no way to mentain my family there
but I have here. If I go to the enemy can I carry
with me any of my effects? it is very uncertain who
will Rule yet for the matter is not determined.
Mr Jay — yes, Sir, undoubtedly you can carry your effects but we
Dont Desire you Sir to give your answer now we would
Chuse that you Should take time to Consider of the matter
before you give your answer for I can assure you Sir with-
out flattery we should be exceedingly happy to have you
with us

(mr Benson then Laboured much to Shew mr Robin-
son the propriety of the measures and the great pleas-
ure it would give us, to have him with us)
Mr Robinson — how long before I must give my answer a Day or Two
Mr Jay — no Sir, you need not hurry your Self you can Take a month

or Six weeks
Mr Robinson — you Gentlemen are not Ingaged on Sundays, will you

come and see me one Sunday
Mr Jay — I am obliged to you Sir but I dont Expect to be here long
Mr Benson — I am much obliged to you Sir and will Do myself the
Pleasure of coming to see you one Sunday
Mr Robinson then (retired)

N. B. — This manuscript record was presented to Washington's Head-
quarters by the late Colonel Isaiah Townsend.

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The American Revolution from the
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of the American Army; given
in the form of a Daily Journal;
James Thacher, M.D. Hart-
ford, Ct.: Hurlbut, Kellogg,
& Co., 1861.

Memoirs of Major-General Heath;
containing Anecdotes, Details of
Skirmishes, Battles and other
Military Events during the Amer-
ican War; written by himself;
published according to Act of
Congress. Boston: I. Thomas
andE.T. Andrews, August, 1798.

The Winslow Papers, A.D.,1776-
1826; printed under the au-
spices of the New Brunswick
Historical Society; edited by
Rev. W. O. Raymond, M.A.
St. John, N. B., 1901.

Canadian Archives, Haldimand
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of the King's Royal Regiment
of New York.

A History of Putnam County;
William J. Blake. New York:
Baker & Scribner, 1859.

History of Putnam County, New
York; William S. Pelletreau,
A.M. Philadelphia: W. W.
Preston & Co., 1886.

The Eagle's History of Pough-
keepsie, From the Earliest Set-
tlements, 1683-1905; Edmund
Piatt. Poughkeepsie: Piatt &
Piatt, 1905.

History of West Point and Its
Military Importance During the
American Revolution; Captain
Edward C. Boynton, A.M.
New York: D. Van Nostrand,
1863.

History of Guildford, Conn., from
its First Settlement in 1639;
from the Manuscripts of Hon.
Ralph D. Smith. Albany: J.
Munsell, 1877.

The History of the Several Towns,
Manors and Patents of the Coun-
ty of Westchester, Rev. Robert
Bolton; 2 volumes. New York:
Charles F. Roper.

416 The History of St. P kilip* s C hur c h

History of Westchester County;
J. Thomas Scharf, A.M., LL.D.
% volumes. Philadelphia: L. E.
Preston, 1886.

History of Westchester County
during the War of the Revolu-
tion; Dawson. Morrisiania,
1886.

Illinois Central Railroad; His-
torical Sketch by W. X. Aker-
man, Chicago: 1890.

ECCLESIASTICAL.
ANGLICAN.

Historical Notices of the Missions
of the Church of England in the
American Colonies previous to
the Independence of the United
States; Ernest Hawkins, B.D.
London: B. Fellowes, 1845.

The History of the Church of Eng-
land in the Colonies and Foreign
Dependencies of the British Em-
pire; the Rev. James S. M.
Anderson, M. A.; 3 volumes.
London: Rivingtons, 1856.

An Historical Account of the In-
corporated Society for the Prop-
agation of the Gospel in Foreign
Parts; David Humphreys, D.D.
London: 1853.

Two Hundred Years of the S.
P.G. An Historical Account of
the Society for the Propagation
of the Gospel in Foreign Parts,
1701-1900; C. F. Pascoe; 2
volumes. London: 1901.

The Early English Colonies in
America; the Bishop of London.
Milwaukee: The Young Church-
man Company, 1908.

The Church in Nova Scotia and the
Tory Clergy of the Revolution;
Arthur Wentworth Eaton,
M.A. New York: Thomas
Whittaker, 1891.

The Church of England in Canada,
1759-1793; H. C. Stuart, M.A.
Montreal: John Lovell & Son,
1893.

The Ecclesiastical Expansion of
England in the Growth of the
Anglican Communion; the Hul-
sean Lectures for 1894-5, Alfred
Barry, D.D., D.C.L., formerly
Bishop of Sydney, etc. Lon-
don: Macmillan & Co., 1895.

The Anglican Episcopate and the
American Colonies; Arthur
Lyon Cross, Ph.D. Harvard
Historical Studies IX. New
York: Longmans, Green & Co.,
1902.

The English Church from the Ac-
cession of George I to the end of
the 18th Century, 1714-1800;
Canon Overton, D.D., and the
Rev. Frederick Relton, A.K.C.
London: Macmillan & Co.,
1906.

The English Church in the ISth
Century; Charles J. Abbey,
M.A., and John H. Overton,
D.D.London : Longmans, Green
&Co., 1893.

AMERICAN.

Journals of the General Convention.
Journals of the New York Diocesan
Convention.

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418 The History of St. Philip 9s Church

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The Centennial History of the Prot-
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Reminiscences of St. Stephen's Col-
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PAROCHIAL.

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A History of the Parish of Trinity
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History of Christ Church, Burling-
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History of St. George's Church,
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History of St. Stephen's Parish in
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Annals of an Old Parish; Histor-
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St. James' Church, Woodstock, Ver-
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History and Reminiscences of the
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BIOGRAPHICAL.

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Bishop Chase's Reminiscences: An
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The Life of Philander Chase, first
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A Memoir of the Life of George
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Annals of the American Pulpit;
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The Chaplains and Clergy of the
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Paper on the Life of the Rev. Joel
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A Memorial Discourse of Nathan-
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Benjamin I. Haight, S.T.D.,
LL.D. New York, 1874.

The Life of Patrick Henry, Henry
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Loyalists of the American Revolu-
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Mr. Fish and the Alabama Claims',
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A Tribute of Love to the Memory of
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The Journal of the Rev. Silas Con-
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Philadelphia: J. P. Lippincott
& Co., 1903.

420 The History of St. Philip's Church

Sketches of the Alumni of Dart-
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George T. Chapman, D.D.
Cambridge: Riverside Press,
1867.

Biographical Sketches of the Grad-
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volumes. New York: Henry
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The Robinson Family of Middle-
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1808-10.

The Doty-Doten Family in Amer-
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Six Centuries of the Moore Family
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A Tribute of Friendship to the
Memory of Samuel Sloan; Rev.
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A Commemoration of the Faithful;
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An Authentic Narrative of the
causes which led to the death of
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The Life and Career of Major John
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The Life of Bishop Provoost;
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copal S. School Union.

INDEX TO PERSONS.

N. B. — This index does not include names in the
Parish Register save when those names are men-
tioned elsewhere in the book.

Acres, Mr., 241.

Addenbough, Captain, 153.

Allen, Mary, 227, 252.

Anderson, Rev. Canon, 84.

Andre\ Major, 118, 139, 140, 141
170.

Andrews, Rev. William, 74, 75.

Anne, Queen, 13.

Anthon, Rev. Dr. Henry, 258.

Aray, Nicholas, 112.

Arden, Rev. R. Beverly, 273-5, 276,
356, 380; Eliza Dean, 301, 370;
George, 242, 342, 385; Harry, 343,
385; Helen, 253, 355 ; James, 233,
375; Richard D., 218, 219, 227,
232, 233, 240, 241, 259, 280, 294,
301-2, 344, 357, 374; Sarah Jane,
310; Thos.B., 233, 234, 240, 241,
259. 270, 273, 279, 280, 294-5,
343, 357, 378.

Armstrong, Susan L., 308.

Arnold, Abraham Kerns, 342, 379.
Benedict, 120, 139, 140, 141;
Richard, 58, 87, 116, 169, 196;
Walter, M., 343.

Atwater, Emmeline B., 247, 310.

Avery, Rev. Ephraim, 91.

Auchmuty, Rev. Dr., 34, 56.

Austin, Jesse, 241, 385; Jesse A.,
342; Justice, 241; Samuel, 241;
Thomas H., 241, 281, 356, 357,
358.

Axtell, Lady Arabella, 155.

Babcock, Rev. Luke, 91, 92.

Bailey, John, 126.

Bancker, Gerard, 43.

Barclay, Ann D., 136; Rev. Thomas,

12, 14, 75, 136.
Barker, Jacob, 301.

Barr, Rev. David E., 263, 276, 384.

Barten, Roger, 319.

Bartoll, Henry, 232.

Bartow, Rev. John, 18.

Bashford, John, 88.

Bates, Isaac, 173; Phoebe, 173.

Baxter, Elizabeth, 174.

Beach, Rev. Alfred, 277.

Beardsley, Rev. John, 143, 186.

Bedell, H., 217.

Belcher, Eliza King, 253; Henry W„
234, 240, 241, 242, 252, 280, 281,
282, 286-7, 344, 378, Martha A.,
246, 252, 286; Wm. K., 234.

Benjamin, Hamilton F., 254; Julian
A., 254; Julia Kean, 254, 380;
Samuel N., 342, 377; William M.,
251, 254, 281.

Benson, Egbert, 126.

Berrian, Rev. Dr., 48, 51.

Bertram, Miss, 117.

Beverley, Catharine, 117; Robert,
117.

Beyre, Rev. Henry, 12.

Bird, Colonel, 41, 167.

Birdsall, Daniel, 38, 56, 59, 63, 69,
70, 115, 116, 117, 156-7, 162, 163,
210, 216, 314, 316, 318, 319, 320,
321, 324, 325, 327, 328; Daniel
Wm., 49, 50, 52, 111, 112, 115, 116,
168, 339; William B., 116, 117.

Bishop, John, 341, 357.

Bissell, Roger, 319.

Blackwell, Augusta G., 308; William*
308.

Boyd, Ebenezer, 158.

Bray, Rev. Dr., 37.

Breckenridge, John C, 284.

Brewer, James, 112.

Brien, Thos. B., 241.

422

Index to Persons

Bross, Peter, 233, 241, 259, 280, 303,

357 374.
Brown, Rev. John, 110, 206, 207,

350; J. Mills, 232.
Budd, Chloe, 302; Elijah, 165;

Nicholas, 171, 302, 383; Phoebe,

171, 302, 383.
Bull, Rev. E. C, 114, 221, 258-9,

276.
Burgoyne, General, 80, 138.
Burling, Ebenezer, 104, 116; Lydia,

65.
Burr, Aaron, 165.
Burton, Rev. Dr., 64.

Cady, Rev. Hamilton, 278.

Cammann, H. H., 395.

Campbell, Archibald, 182; Captain

Duncan, 121, 151, 183-4; General,

153.
Carleton, Sir Guy, 81, 142, 143, 146,

173; Thomas, 136.
Chase, Rt. Rev. Bishop Carlton,

109, 304, 355, 384; Rt. Rev. Bishop

Philander, 109.
Chastellux, Chevalier, 192.
Cheesman, Dr. T. M., 281.
Chipman, Ward, 145.
Chorley, Rev. E. Clowes, 249, 250,

251, 252, 273, 276, 277, 391.
Clap, Rev. Joel, 239, 265-7, 277,

385; Joshua, 265.
Clark, James, 117.
Clarkson, Thos. S., 199.
Clinton, Governor George, 148, 161;

Sir Henry, 136, 137, 138, 139, 150.
Colden, Lt.-Gov., 22, 23, 30, 83, 36.
Coleman, Rt. Rev. Bishop L., 355,

390.
Comb, Capt. George, 170.
Compton, Rt. Rev. Bishop, 9.
Conklin, Drake, 339; G., 112.
Constable, Dr., 74.
Constant, Rev. Silas, 89, 169, 195,

215, 216, 217, 223, 284.
Cooper, Rev. Elias, 107; Henry A.,

117.
Copper, Catherine, 219.
Cornbury, Lord, 10, 13.
Corney, Peter, 116, 162, 168, 211,

319, 320, 394.
Cornwallis, Lord, 137, 150.
Courtney, Rt. Rev. Bishop F., 355,

391.
Covert, Abraham, 173; Elisha, 116,

173.

Cox, Rev. Richard, 206, 207.

Croft, James, 324, 325, 327, 328, 337.

Cromwell, Mr., 241.

Cronk, Tunice, 116, 197.

Cronkhite, Capt. Jas., 167.

Cruger, John, 123.

Cruston, R. C, 334.

Currie, A., 339.

Currey, John, 112, 60; Stephen, 112;

Tommy, 55.
Curtin, Cornelius J., 313.
Cutler, Lucretia, 111, Rev. Timothy,

90.

Davenport, Isaac, 45, 116, 170, 324,
327, 396; Thomas, Sr., 165, 180;
Thomas, 22, 23, 25, 31, 32, 115,
165, 170, 181, 188. William, 165.

Dare, Virginia, 2.

Dean, Rachel, 174.

Delaware, Lord, 4.

Denning, William, 21, 22, 40, 41, 45,
47, 50, 52, 115, 116, 120, 158-9,
175, 189, 193, 194, 195, 196, 213,
252, 321, 325, 333, 348, 396, 397,
400, 402, 403, 404, 405; Wm. H.,
241, 248.

Depew, Thomas, 55.

Devoe, Benjamin, 242; Nelson, 241

Dibblee, Rev. Ebenezer, 19.

Dick, Evans R., 180.

Dickinson, — , 121,

Dix, Rev. Dr. Morgan, 290.

d'Hauteville, Eliza S., 256.

de Koven, Rev. Dr., 271.

De Lancey, Oliver, 119; Rt. Rev
Bishop W. H„ 355, 357.

Doane, Rt. Rev. Bishop George W.,
267, 268; Rt. Rev. Wm. Croswell,
272.

Dobbs, Walter, Jr., 319.

Dominick, J. W., 199, 234; Martha,
284.

Douglass, Benjamin, Jr., 50, 51,
106, 115, 171, 329; James, 104,
116, 171; William, 45, 49, 52,
116, 171, 396.

Doten (Doty) Edward, 64; Jabez,
64, 65.

Doty, Rev. John, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36,
37, 38, 56, 57, 64-85, 210, 212,
252, 311, 312, 314, 315, 397, 398,
400, 401, 403.

De Peyster, Catharine, 160; Jane,
294, 301; L. A., 255.

Index to Persons

423

Drake, Sir Francis, 1; Jeremiah,
20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 31, 32, 56, 69,
115, 157-8, 159, 166, 319, 320;
Mary, 159; Peter, 58, 62, 116, 166,
211, 319, 320, 321; Samuel, 210.

de Rhani, Charles, 234, 240, 241,
254, 280, 297-9, 380; Charles, Jr.
251, 254, 281; Henry C, 116, 177,
206, 227, 232, 241, 242, 253, 280,
287, 297, 300-1, 336, 355; H.
Casimir, 254; Johann W ., 300;
Julia A., 253; Laura, 254; Laura
F., 254.

Duane, James, 134.

Dun, Frances Maria, 348.

Dunmore, Earl of, 69, 71.

Dupree, Thomas, 327.

Dusenbury, Jarvis, 40, 42, 43, 52,
58, 87, 103, 116, 169-70, 196, 324,
327; Moses, 169; Sarah, 112.

Dutilh, Eugene, 241; Susan M., 241.

D wight, President (Yale), 124.

Dyckman, Sampson, 120.

Dykeman, States, 52.

Elizabeth, Queen, 1.
Elmendorf, Peter, 295.
Empie, Rev. Adam, 110.
Everson, Jacob, 127.

Faunce, Mary, 64.

Faurst, Isaac, 61.

Ferris, Jonathan, 112, 116, 171, 174;
Joseph, 55, 115, 351; Susannah,
171; Sylvanus, 240;

Fish, Clemence B., 343,380; Hon.
Hamilton, L.L.D., 240, 241, 242,
247, 253, 255, 270, 279, 280, 288-
94, 304, 344, 378; Hamilton, 277,
281; Hamilton, Jr., 343, 379; Julia
Kean, 253, 255, 377; Colonel
Nicholas, 288; Nicholas, 343,
397 ;Stuyvesant, 54, 251, 281, 345.

Fletcher, Rev. Francis, 1; Gov-
ernor, 9, 18.

Floyd-Jones, Rev. Elbert, 278.

Foote, E., 232.

Foster, Theodore, 232.

Fowler, Rev. Andrew, 40, 52, 53,
88-102, 170, 212, 213, 324, 326,
327, 404; Andrew, 90; George, 54,
112; John, 90.

Fox, Charles James, 152.

Frost, Jerediah, 38, 62, 314.

Gadsen, Rt. Rev. Bishop, 96.

Galer, Robert, 319.

Garrison, Abraham, 197, 328; Em-
ma L., 253; George F.t 241; 242,
280, 285, 377; Harry, 45, 52, 59,
61, 62, 63, 107, 111, 115, 116, 117,
189, 196, 197, 199, 202, 204, 205,
206, 207, 208, 213, 219, 227, 232,
259, 277, 279, 282-4, 285, 286,
305, 329, 332, 333, 336, 338, 339,
354, 355, 382, 396, 406, 408;
James, 280, 285, 357; Jane, 340;
,/. Henry, 280, 357, 358; John,
61, 116, 117, 199, 204, 227, 232,

233, 239, 240, 242, 259, 279, 280,
284-5, 286, 305, 335, 336, 354, 357,
375; William D., 241, 280, 285,
305, 378.

Gates, General, 81.

Gay, Cyrus, 280, 302.

Gee, John, 55, 103, 116, 171.

Gerretsen, Gerrett, 282, 283.

Gifford, George, 241.

Gilbert, Josiah, 241.

Gill, Eliz. G., 304.

Gilmore, General, 308.

Gomier, John T., 112, 116, 174;
Nicholas, 174.

Gooch, Governor (Va.), 117.

Goodall, —,151.

Gordon, Rev. Patrick, 10, 37, 38.

Gouverneur, Adolphus N., 233. 255,
282, 304, 310; F. (see F. Philipse) ;
Mary, 310, 354, 357; Mary Mars-
ton, 255, 282, 349; Samuel, 113,
116, 202, 204, 205, 206, 217, 219,
227, 232, 257, 279, 282, 303, 304,
336, 349, 355; S. M. Warburton,

234, 246, 255, 280, 282, 303, 376.
Graham, Morris, 127.

Grant, General U. S., 289, 307.
Gray, Rev. Albert Zabriskie, 247,

248, 269-72, 273, 274, 276, 387,

388, 393.
Greer, Rt. Rev. Bishop D. H., 355,

391.
Griswold, Rt. Rev. Bishop A. V.,

266.

Haight, Chas. C, 281; Christopher,
280, 303, 334, 373, 382; Daniel,
45, 49, 50, 59, 60, 61, 63, 115, 116,
174, 199, 204, 205, 219, 227, 232,
300, 303, 315, 327, 328, 329, 331,
332, 333, 336, 338, 339, 344, 351,
354, 355, 383, 396; George, 259,

424

Index to Persons

280, 303; John, 181; John F., 116,
219; Joseph, 161, 382; Mary, 171,
174; Sylvanus, 45, 58, 87, 103,
104, 115, 116, 161, 181, 196, 317,
319, 324, 328, 344, 382, 396; Wil-
liam, 112.

Haldimand, General, 82.

Hall, Caleb, 20; General Wm. Jas.
F., 280, 281, 307-8; General Wm.
E., 307, 308; Wm. E., 308.

Hamilton, Alexander, 289; Colonel
J. S. C, 345, 346.

Hanlon, Major Bernard, 115, 116,
164, 339, 348.

Hargill, Rev., 22, 45, 46, 47, 48, 321,
396, 401.

Harrop, Joseph, 65.

Haskell, Roger, 106; Rev. Samuel,
52, 58, 102-6, 212, 404.

Hatfield, Daniel, 319; Isaac, 20, 21,

211, 319; James, Jr., 319.
Haws, Maria, 223, 374; Palatiah,

20.

Hayes, Richard, 241; Thomas, 241.

Hayne, W. G., 233.

Hazen, Allen B., 112, 116, 174.

Hazwell, Charles, 232.

Heath, Major-General Wm., 119,
157, 191, 192, 313.

Heathcote, Colonel Caleb, 15, 16, 18.

Henderson, Thomas, 122, 148; Will-
iam, 116, 173, 213, 301, 348, 405.

Henry, Patrick, 118; Peter, 232.

Henyan, Thomas, 49, 116, 172, 328,
329, 330.

Heriot, Thomas, 2.

Hobart, Rev. Jno. Hy., 273; Rt
Rev. Bishop, 53, 93, 94, 95, 110,

212, 215, 222, 333, 402, 406, 408,
410.

Hodges, Dr. & Mrs., 241, 242.

Hoffman, Rev. Chas. Frederick, 239,
240, 241, 242, 244, 246, 248, 252,
267-9, 276, 277, 385, 386, 387,
392; Mrs. C.F., 241; Rev. Eugene
A., 242; Murray, 199; Samuel V.,
267; William, 233.

Hood, Lord, 152.

Hopper, Daniel, 241; James, 241;
John, 241, 280, 304; John Jr., 241;
Joseph, 116; Lazarus, 224; Rich-
ard, 116, 174-5, 197, 219, 241, 357,
382.

Horton, Israel, 233.

Howard, Ward B., 112.

Howe, Sir William, 135;

Hubbard, Rev. Bela, 91; Isaac, 267.
Huchins, Jacob, 319.
Hudson, Henry, 8.
Huestis, Elizabeth, 170; Sarah, 170.
Humphreys, Cornelius, 127.
Hunt, Rev. Robert, 2, 5, 6.
Hurd, Isaac, 116.
Hussey, John, 319.

Inglis, Rev. Charles, 14, 15, 78, 135;

Margaret, 135.
Iselin, John A., 310; John H., 280,

281, 310, 344, 371, 378.
Ives, Rev. Edward J., 60, 63, 111-13,

198, 212, 214, 333, 408, 410.

Jacob, Israel, 112.

Jay, John, 131, 133, 135; Peter A.,
199.

Jefferson, Thomas, 165.

Jefferts, Samuel, 327.

Jeffrey, Rachel, 65, 85.

Jenkins, Lt. Joel, 341, 355, 382.

Jenney, Rev. Robert, 18.

Jennings, Mary, 170.

Johnson, Andrew, 19, 20; Colonel,
74; John, 22, 23, 25, 31, 32, 38,
115, 117, 165, 314; Sir John, 81,
82; Major, 84; Rev. Dr. Samuel,
95, 143, 199; Sir William, 109.

Jones, Ebenezer, 313, 322, 323, 326;
John Jr., 50, 115, 117, 172, 319,
324, 327; Smith, 45, 116, 171, 327,
396.

Jordan, Warren S., 313.

Kane, John, 127, 150.
Keith, Rev. George, 10, 11, 37.
Kemble, Gouverneur, 116, 175, 199,

219, 232; Maria, 173; William,

232.
Kemper, Rt. Rev. Bishop Jackson,

260.
Kennedy, Dennis, 319.
King, Fredk. Gore, 281.
Kinloch, Anne, 300; Sir James, 300.
Kinsolving, Rt. Rev. Bishop, L. L.,

355, 391.
Kip, Elizabeth, 258.
Knox, General, 106.

Laight, Mrs., 241.
Lamson, Rev. Jos., 19, 209.
Lane, Captain, 169.

Index to Persons

425

Lancaster, Anna, 341; Joshua, 50,
52, 62, 103, 107, 116, 197, 329,
330, 341, 348, 349, 350; William,
50, 115, 197, 349, 351, 352.

Lanison, David, 87, 88, 196.

Lee, Elijah, 316, 317; General, 271.

Legroot, Joseph, 319.

Lent, Isaac, 61, 337; Jacob, 108,
116, 172, 222, 223; Smith, 313.

Lile, Rev. A., 48.

Livingston, Francis A., 234, 240,
241, 280, 309-10, 378; Gilbert, 127;
L.L., 241; Philip, 126; Peter Van
Brugh, 122; Robert G., 127;
William S., 234, 240, 241, 242,
280, 308.

Lockwood, Gilbert, 319.

Lounsberry, Eliza, 306.

Luck, Rev. Charles, 113, 204, 206,
248, 276.

Ludlow, Chief Justice, 137.

Lyman, Joseph, 319.

McCoy, David, 312 335, 337, 338;
John, 319; Nelson, 312.

McDougall, General, 157.

McLane, Lias, 233.

Mabe, Abraham, 319.

Mackenzie, Rev. E., 11.

Maguire, David, 280, 380.

Malcom, Colonel, 161.

Mandeville, Cornelius, 116, 163;
Hannah, 156; Jacob, 32, 35, 36,
156, 163, 169, 180, 182, 187, 188-
193, 284, 304, 345, 346, 382;
Henry, 331; James, 50, 52, 54, 55,
56, 59, 61, 62, 107, 108, 111, 112,
115, 163-4, 218, 330, 331, 332, 338,
339; John, 157, 164, 314, 319;
Sarah, 162; Yellis de, 163, 188.

Manteo, 2.

Marks, Samuel, 116, 175-6.

Marston, Margaret, 173; Mary, 173.

Mead, Harry, 233, 280; Isaac, 45,
55, 116, 117, 170, 219, 396; Jas.
H., 241.

Michell, Rev. R., 304.

Miller, Andrew, 319; George, 280,
305-6; John, 112; Justus, 305;
Peter, 319; Susan, 305.

Moore, Rt. Rev. Bishop Benjamin,
98, 196, 287, 300; Charles, 20, 21,
22, 23, 25, 31, 35, 69, 70, 115,
155-6; Rt. Rev. Bishop Channing,
156; George E., 280, 307, 374;
Jane Fish, 287; Hon. John, 155,

156; Sir John, 155; Rev. John,
287; Margaret P., 255, 282; Maria
T., 300; Dr. N. F., 234, 240, 241,
242, 280, 306-7, 375; Thomas, 156;
Rev. Thoroughhood, 10, 14; Will-
iam, 240, 241, 242, 270, 279, 280,
287-8, 306, 344; Mrs. Wm., 252;
Dr. William, 287, 300, 396.

Morgan, Caleb, 38, 42, 45, 55, 58,
87, 115, 116, 117, 162, 211, 314,
319, 324, 328, 396; Caleb, Jr.,
103, 106, 112; Elijah Jr., 45, 49,
103, 116, 396; Rev. D. W. F., 392,
393.

Morris, Colonel, 12; Gouverneur,
134; Mary, 120, 135, 181; Col-
onel Roger, 87, 120, 121, 123, 135,
148, 171, 181.

Morrison, Malcom, 150.

Mowatt Erastus, 249.

Mowett, James, 334, 337.

Moyatt, Jas. W., 60.

Mudge, Elizabeth, 169.

Muggiford, Peter, 319.

Muirson, Rev. George, 18.

Neau, Elias, 13.

Neil, Rev. Ed. W., 276.

Nelson, Alexander, 342; Augusta,
306; Caleb, 165, 180; Charity,
233, 302, 350, 355, 384; Cornelius,
115, 189, 219, 224, 227, 232, 280,
302, 336, 352, 382; Cornelius, Jr.,
232, 302; Cornelius Mandeville,
232, 350, 373, 384; Francis, 162,
171; Hannah, 341; Jacob, 45, 116,
197, 341, 349, 396; Jane, 284;
James, 346 ;John, 49, 50, 116, 171,
174, 197, 354; Joshua, 22, 23, 25,
31, 32, 38, 42, 49, 62, 69, 70, 87f

115, 162-3, 171, 174, 181, 188,189,
196, 210, 284, 314, 317, 318, 320,
321, 344,349, 350, 382; Joshua Jr.,
227, 280, 332, 333, 334; Justus,

116, 171, 172, 174, 180, 302, 344,
381; Justus, Jr., 227, 280, 302;
Maria, 208; Mephiboseth, 116,
174, 302; Nicholas, 116, 117, 172;
Pheanas, 303; Stephen, 116, 174;
Sulvenus, 340; 381; William, 116,
172, 218.

Newport, Christopher, 2, 3.
Nicolls, Governor, 8.
North, Lord, 146.
Northcote, Edith, 256.

426

Index to Persons

Ogden, John, 319; Thos. L., 203.

Ogilvie, Rev. John, 21, 33, 120; Mrs.,
46, 120, 128, 181, 193, 195, 399,
404.

Onderdonk, Rt. Rev. Bishop, B. T.,
113, 199, 206, 207, 218, 257, 260,
261, 278, 303, 355, 357.

Oppie, John, 60, 111, 112, 116, 173,
339.

Orsor, Capt. Jonas, 170.

Osborne, Fdk. Sturges, 256, 375;
Henry Fairfield, 281; Mrs. H.F.,
254; Virginia Sturges, 256; Vir-
ginia R. Sturges, 254, 309; Wm.
Church, 281; Wm. Henry, 240,

241, 280, 304, 308-9, 344, 378.
Osborne, E., 217.

Owens, Jane, 174; Samuel, 338, 339.

Page, Rev. Bernard, 86, 394.

Paine, Ephraim, 122.

Palmer, — , 107; Lowell M., 313.

Parrott, R. P., 232.

Parsons, General, 119, 161.

Payne, Rev. Dr., 75.

Peake, Rev. F., 114, 257, 276.

Pecke, Rev. Edward M., 234, 235,

238, 263-5, 276.
Peckham, Abigail, 267; Josiah, 267.
Peck well, Henry, 130.
Pemart, Francis, 116, 166-8, 211.
Pen, Thomas, 319.
Penoyer, David, 38, 58, 116, 166,

314; William, 167, 211.
Perry, Rev. Carroll, 272-3, 276, 390.
Philipse, Adolph, 119, 179; Captain,

116, 173, 213, 282, 349, 405;
Frederick (Gouverneur) 60, 61, 116,

117, 119, 120, 198, 199, 200, 202,
204, 205, 206, 207, 223, 224, 227,
234, 239, 240, 241, 244, 253, 255,
257, 279, 281, 282, 285-6, 303, 335,
336, 375; Margaret, 21; The
Misses, 254, 255; Philip, 173.

Pierrepont, Edward, 253; Edwards,
D. C. L., 254, 378.

Pitt, William, 152.

Post, Catherine W., 285.

Potter, Rt. Rev. Bishop Alonzo, 267;
Rt. Rev. Bishop Henry Codman,
272, 277, 278, 290, 305, 355, 388,
389,390; Rt. Rev. Bishop Horatio,

242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 270, 277,
355, 385, 386, 387, 388.

Powell, Robert, 241.
Poyner, Isaac, 319.

Price, Mary Ann, 64.

Pritchard, Rev. Thomas, 178, 18.

Prince, Thomas, 232.

Provoost, Rt. Rev. Bishop Samuel,
15, 47, 92, 103, 186, 196, 211, 400.

Purdy, Abraham, 210; Charity, 394;
Ebenezer, 310; Elijah, 211; Gab-
riel, 394; Henry, 22, 23, 25, 31,
116, 166, 230; Isaac, 52, 115, 172;
Joshua, 162, 211; Joseph, 394;
Samuel, 394;

Putnam, Gen. Israel, 119, 345, 346.

Raleigh, Sir Walter, 1.

Rand, Colonel, 270.

Rathbone, Edward B., 112.

Rawdon, Lord, 137, 138, 150.

Raymond, Rev. W. O., 151.

Read, Eleazor, 319.

Reade, George, 189; Susan, 189.

Robertson, Daniel, 232; Joseph, 232.

Robinson, Colonel Beverly, 20, 21,
22, 23, 25, 31, 32, 35, 36, 38, 40,
43, 56, 57, 69, 70, 78, 87, 115, 117-
154, 155, 158, 167, 174, 180, 181,
182, 183, 184, 187, 188, 189, 190,
194, 195, 201, 203, 210, 252, 311,
314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 320, 321,
322, 326, 333, 345, 396, 400, 401,
403, 405; Beverly Jr., 136, 144;
Beverly, 2nd, 306; Christopher, 117;
Frederick P., 136, 137; John, 137,
144, 117, 119; Rt. Rev. Bishop
John, 117; Colonel Joseph, 119;
Morris, 137; Susannah, 21, 119,
131, 135, 153, 154, 316, 317, 322,
333, 403, 405, 411, 412.

Rogers, Hamilton F., 256, 376;
Violet M., 256, 366; William E.,
281, 282.

Romer,Henry, 103, 116, 170; Jacob,
170.

Rose, Benjamin, 169.

Rosseter, Mrs., 232, 356.

Royce, Hon. Stephen, 265.

Rutledge, Rev. Edmund, 100.

Sackett, Amos, 234; Justus, 234.
Sargent, Winthrop, 139, 140.
Schenck, Henry, 127.
Scott, John Morin, 134; Sarah, 175,
Seabury, Rev. George, 273, 276;

Rev. Samuel, 111, 185, 186, 187;

Rt. Rev. Bishop, Samuel, 78,

91, 100, 210.
Seeker, Most Rev. Archbishop, 143.

Index to Persons

427

Seymour, Isaac, 116, 175, 335, 336;

Rt. Rev. Bishop, 355, 388; Rev.

Richard, 2.
Shaw, Rev. Robert, 230, 231, 248,

260-2, 276, 355.
Shelburne, Lord, 154.
Shelley, M., 241.
Sheridan, Lt. -General, 271.
Sherman, General, 307.
Sherwood, Ann, 112; /., 241.
Sloan, Margaret E., 250, 251, 297;

Samuel, 247, 250, 251, 254, 270,

280, 295-7, 304, 344, 380; Samuel,

Jr., 281.
Slon, Jared, 112.
Smith, Hopper, 339; Captain John,

3,4; William, 150.
Somerset, Duke of, 2.
Spock, Amelia, 169; James, 42, 103,

116, 167, 168-9, 211; Mary, 169.
Stanley, David, 164.
Strang, Daniel, 319; Jos. Jr., 319.
Sterling, Lord, 57.
Stevenson, Anne, 164: Rev. Henry

Z.,114, 206, 207, 220, 257-8, 276,

278, 353, 354, 355.
Storrs, Hon. Henry R., 258.
Stone, Martha, 90.
Stuyvesant, Cornelia, 111; Elizabeth,

288; Peter, 8, 155, 159, 288.
Strachey, Edward, 4.
Stymes, Hannah, 164.
Sunderland, Rev. James, 113, 199,

200, 218, 219, 278.
Sweney, Captain, 144.
Swim, Sarah, 172.

Talbot, Hon. St. George, 19.

Taylor, Catharine, 164; Emma L.,
305; Rev. John, 75.

Ten Broeck, Dirck, 111; Rev. Petrus
Stuyvesant, 53, 110-11, 127; Pet-
rus, 127.

Thomas, Rev. J., 11; Rev. William,
111.

Thompson, Mary P., 256; Rev.
Walter, 253, 272, 274, 276, 290,
296, 297, 388, 389, 390.

Todd, Wm. L., 312.

Toucey, Harriet, 247, 258, 310;
Donald B., 247, 380; John M.,
247, 253, 254, 280, 282, 310, 344,
379; Mary B., 247, 253, 380.

Townsend, Rev. Epenetus, 91.

Travis, Joseph, 20, 210.
Troup, Captain, 65.
Tryon, Gov. William, 71, 400.
Turner, Charles, 241; Chas. A., 341;
Matthias, 241.

Uhl, John, 116, 232.

Upjohn, Edwin, 256; Emma, 256;
Rev. James, 276; Richard, 234,
239, 240, 256, 280, 304-5, 344,
376; Mrs. R., 242, 253, 256.

Urquhart, Rev. John, 59, 108-9, 189,
302, 339, 347, 349, 350, 353, 404,
405.

Vail, W. M., 241.

Van Cortlandt, General Pierre, 61,

111, 115, 164-5, 335, 336, 337;

Lt. Gov. Pierre, 54, 115, 159-60,

210, 325, 326; Oloff S., 159; Rt.

Hon. Steven, 159; Stephanus, 17,

159.
Van Dam, Isaac, 168.
Van Hancet, J. A., 241.
Van Kleeck, Rev. Dr. F., 249.
Van Tassel, Hiram, 241.
Vaughan, General, 137.
Verplanck, Samuel, 134.
Vermilyea, Hannah, 172.
Vesey, Rev. William, 9, 12.
VilJefranche, Major, 180.
Voiscin, J. A., 241.
Von Kesners, T. A., 241.

Wainwright, Rt. Rev. Bishop, J. M.

259, 263, 355, 384.
Walling, Rev. — , 93, 95.
Ward, Benjamin, 112, 116, 170,

Caleb, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 31, 32,

42, 49, 58, 69, 70, 106, 115, 159,

174, 319, 320, 324; John, 159.
Warner, Rev. Thomas, 206, 207.
Warren, John, 61, 351; Captain, J.,

219, 383; Rev. Joseph, 52, 53, 62,

107, 212.
Washington, George, 15, 118, 141,

190, 191, 210, 300.
Watson, Alfred E., 116, 176-7, 199,

218; Rev. John Lee, 176-7, 199.
Weller, James, 241.
Westcott, Martha, 164.
Wetmore, Rev. James, 19.
White, Rt. Rev. Bishop Wm., 210.

428

Index to Persons

Whittingham, Rt. Rev. Bishop, 355,
357.

Wiley, James, 61, 112, 116, 174.

Williams, Daniel, 164; Rev. Ebenezer,
114, 221, 227, 228, 229, 231, 248,
259-60, 276, 277, 278, 383.

William, King, III, 13, 119.

Wilkins, Rev. Isaac, 54, 107, 111.

Wilson, Ann, 241; Benjamin, 241;

Charles, 241; Fanny, 241; Mar-

garet, 241.
Winslow, Edward, 145, 151.
Worthington, Hy R., 345.
Wray, Sir Cecil, 152.
Wright, Hannah, 161, 383; Mary,

170.

INDEX TO SUBJECTS.

Accounts, parochial, 58-63,

Alabama Claims, 289,

Albany, Church in, first services, 12;
St. Peter's Church, 12; population
of, 12; Indian Conference at, 13-4;
Rev. John Doty called to, 84;
Rev. John Doty tried at, 80.

Altar, 236-7, 238, 248-9, 254; Can-
delabra, 252-3, Cross, 253, Hang-
ings, 253,

Amherst College, 272,

Apocrypha, 236

Attainder, Act of, 134-5,

Articles, XXXIX, assent to, 73,

Baptisms, 53, 54, 219, 220, 228, 229,

348-350, 353-4, 356, 358-370, 392-

3,
Bath (Eng.), St. James Church, 154,
Bedford, N. Y., Church in, 18, 92,
Bell, Church, proposed, 236, 239;

given, 246, 253; Memorial chimes,

254
Beverly House, 119-20, 121, 125,

158, 195, 345.
Bible, Lectern, 21, 253.
Birdsall House, 157.
Bloomfield, N. J., 271.
Boston, King's Chapel, 10; Christ

Church, 106.
Brookfield, Conn., 259.
Brooklyn, St. Ann's Church, 85;

Lottery at, 86.
Burials, 220, 228, 229, 354, 356-7,

373, 384.

Canada, Indian missions, 82; state
of Church in, 83; mission at Sor-
ell, 83-4; first church in, 84;
Church in Montreal, 84.

Carmel Court House, 174.

Carolina North, Church in, 93, 94,
95; Wilmington, Church in, 93,
94-5;

Carolina South, Charleston, 93, 96,
97, 100, 101; Edisto Island, 95;

101; Church in, 95, 100, 101; cli-
mate, 95-6; Church at Columbia,
96,101.

Census, first U. S., 180-81.

Chancel furniture, 236-7, 242, 252.

Charter Royal, petition for, 22, 23;
text of, 22-30; custody of, 32.

Cholera epidemic, 344.

Chorister, 55, 171.

Churchwardens, 23, 25, 31, 32, 45,
115, 227, 279, 281.

Clerks, parish, 32, 55, 62, 117, 165,
281.

Civil War, 270-1, 284-5, 291, 294-5,
307-8, 341, 342, 343.

Cleasby, (Eng.), 117.

Clergy, character of, 100.

Cold Spring, Church services at,
220, 221, 261, 262; subscriptions
from, 231.

Collections, 57-8, 58, 103, 231, 235,
239.

Columbia College, 65, 75, 271, 272,
288, 289, 306.

Communicants, 54, 219, 228, 355.

Concord, N. H., 111.

Confirmations, 221, 354-5, 357, 384-
391.

Continental Village, 122, 168.

Constant, Rev. Silas, correspondence
with Andrew Fowler, 89; preach-
es in St. Philip's, 195, 215-6; ser-
vices in the Highlands, 216, 284;
applies for use of St. Peter's and
St. Philip's, 217; becomes a Con-
gregationalism 217; payment to
by Vestry, 217.

Constitution Island, 121, 128, 171,
182.

Convention, Diocesan, parochial re-
ports to, 52-3, 53, 54, 110, 219,
220, 221-2, 228, 229, 242; dele-
gates to, 52.

Convention, General, 292, 294.

430

Index to Subjects

Cortlandt, Manor of, Royal Char-
ter, 17; Political affiliations on,
394.

Credence Table, 237.

Crompound, 89.

Delaware, Lackawanna & Western
Railroad, 295, 344.

Doty, Rev. John: ancestry, 64-5;
education, 65; marriage, 65, 85;
visits England, 65-6, 81, 82, ordi-
nation, 66; bishop's license, 67-8;
returns to America, 69; rector
United Churches, 69; Institution
69-72; Assent to Articles, 73;
arrives at Schenectady, 74; rector
St. George's, 74-5; ministry in
Schenectady, 75-6; arrest during
Revolution, 76, 80; leaves for
Canada, 77, 81; claim for com-
pensation, 78-82; military chap-
lain, 81, 82; mission to Mohawks,
82; statement on Church in Can-
ada, 83; appointed to Sorel, 83-4;
visits Albany, 84; at Montreal,
84; visits New York, 84-5; resigns
S. P. G., 85; death, 85; tombstone,
85; recollections of, 85.

Dutchess County, Militia in, 123,
127; Judge of, 123; attitude of
Tories in, 129; Smith's description
of, 178; creation of, 179; associa-
tion with Ulster Co., 179; popula-
tion of, 179; first Episcopal ser-
vices in, 184-6; Samuel Seabury
appointed to, 186; Rev. John
Beardsley appointed to, 186-7.

Eagle's Rest, 310.

Eastchester, church in, 18, 91, 197.

Empie, Rev. Adam, supplies United
Churches, 110; reports to Con-
vention, 110.

Endowment Fund, 247, 253, 254.

Episcopal visitations, 53.

Fishkill, Trinity Church, 110, 186,

187, 194.
Florida, church in St. Augustine, 96-

7, 101.
Florida, War, 294.
Font, 236, 252.

Fort Hunter, St. Anne's Church, 108.
Fort Montgomery, British attack

on, 137. 138. 156.

Fowler, Rev. Andrew, called to St.
Peter's & St. Philip's, 88; induc-
ted, 88; correspondence with
Silas Constant, 89; ancestry, 90,
graduates from Yale, 90; becomes
churchman, 90-1; lay reader, 91,
92; school at New Rochelle, 91;
services at White Plains, Rye and
Yonkers, 92; delegate to Diocesan
Convention, 92; ordination, 92;
at Oyster Bay, 92; at Bedford, 92;
in New Jersey, 92, 93; at Philadel-
phia, 93; at Bloomingdale, 93; re-
moves to Charleston, S. C, 93;
stay at Wilmington, N. C, 93,
94-5; rector Edisto Island, 95,
101; itinerant missionary, 96; es-
tablishes church at St. Augustine,
Fla., 96-7, 101; contributions to
literature, 97-8; Biographical
Sketches of the Clergy, 100; pro-
poses Church paper, 100-01; death
at Charleston, 101; obituary no-
tice, 101-02.

General Theological Seminary, 258,
264,267,270.

Glebe Farm the, gift of Beverly Rob-
inson, 35, 311-12, 397, 403; dam-
aged in Revolution, 41, 67, 47,
398; debt on improvements, 43,
323-5; additional land purchas-
ed, 51, 338, 339; confiscated, 318,
403; situation of, 312; subse-
quent ownership, 312-13; propos-
ed Vandue, 314-16; affadavits
concerning, 316-18; efforts to se-
cure title, 318-9, 397; subscrip-
tion list, 319-21; Denning letter,
321-2; Commissioners restrained
from selling, 322-3; settlement
with Birdsall, 324-5; interven-
tion of Presbyterians, 325, 403;
restored to parish, 52, 326, 403;
barn built, 326-7; leased to ten-
ants, 328-33, 334-5, 405; proposal
to sell, 333-4, 405; sold to McCoy,
335-6; disposition of proceeds,
336-8.

Grange, the, 173.

Guides and Pioneers, 137-8, 139,
142-3.

Guilford, Conn., 90.

Harlem, church in, 12.
Hartford Convention, 158.

Index to Subjects

431

Haskell, Rev. Samuel, called to St.
Peter's & St. Philip's, 102; ordina-
tion, 103; induction, 103; letter
of Vestry to, 104; arrangement
about salary, 104-6; rector at
Rye, 106; rector at Boston, 106;
death, 106.

Highlands, the, strategic value of,
190-1; review of troops in, 191-2;
economic conditions in, 180-4,
194; Revolution, 86.

Highlands Country Club, 173, 301.

Highland House, 207, 305.

Hobart, Rt. Rev. Bishop, visits
united churches, 53; correspond-
ence with Andrew Fowler, 93, 94;
influence on church life, 94, 110;
recommends Rev. E. J. Ives, 111;

Hobart College, 272.

Hoosick Falls, 259.

Hunt, Rev. Robert, arrives in Vir-
ginia, 3-6; heals strife, 6; death,
6; epitaph, 6.

Hudson River Railroad, 295.

Illinois Central Railroad, 309, 344.

Incorporation of Parish, 40, 323, 400,
403.

Indians, missions to, 13, 14, 21; Five
nations, 13: Lord Cornbury visits,
13-14; in Canada, 82.

Ives, Rev. E. J., recommended by
Bishop Hobart, account with Ves-
try, 60-2, 111; appeal for support,
111-2.

Institution of Rectors, 69-73, 88,
103, 259, 267, 277.

Jamestown, Va., 4, 5.
Johnstown, Academy, 109.
Johnstown, church in, 109.

Keith, Rev. George, arrives in Amer-
ica, 10; at Hempstead and New
York, 11; missionary journeys, 11.

Kent, town of, 121.

King's American Dragoons, 173.

King's College (see Columbia Col-
lege).

Lectern, 237.

Legacies, 227, 252, 253.

Letters, William Denning, 45-8, 397-
400, 400, 02; Beverly Robinson,
127-8, 141, 144-5, 151-3; John
Jay, 131-3; Sir Guy Carleton,

145-6; Samuel Gouverneur, 202-
3; Rev. E. M. Pecke, 235-8, 263-
4; Margaret E. Sloan, 250; Harry
Garrison, 406-8; Rev. E. J. Ives,
408-10.

Long Island, description of, 9;
church in Jamaica, 10-11; Hemp-
stead, 11, 184, 185; Oyster Bay,
11, 92; Brookhaven, 92; Hunting-
ton, 92.

Lotteries, tickets in Delaware pur-
chased, 56-7; parish lottery, 57,
190; Brooklyn church lottery, 86.

Loyal American Regiment, 135-7,
142.

Loyalist claims, 77-82, 125-6, 147-53,
154, 394.

Lutherans, 184.

Mahopac, 121, 122.
Maine, church in, 2, 266, 267.
Mamaroneck, services in, 18.
Mandeville's House, 32, 35, 36, 157,

187, 188, 189, 304, 346.
Maps, Villefranche, 180; Erskine,

180.
Marriages, 54, 220, 228, 350-3, 354,

356, 370-3.
Martlaer's Rock, 128, 152.
Mead's Landing, 180.
Memorial Brasses, 254-5.
Memorial Minutes, 271, 273-5, 286,

287, 288, 293-4, 296, 299-300, 303,

305, 306-7.
Memorial Windows, 255-6.
Memorials, 252-6.
Middlebury College, 266-7.
Ministry, settlement of Act, 8, 9, 17,

18.
Missions, parochial, 248-9, 268, 273-

4
Moravians, 184.
Montgomery, Vt., 265.

Negroes, mission to, 13.

Nelson's Landing, 180.

New Haven, Ct., Andrew Fowler at,

91.
NewRochelle, Huguenots conform to

church, 18; Andrew Fowler at, 91

92.
New Jersey, church in, 12.
New York Central Railroad, 344.
New York City, Dutch settlement,

8; English conquest, 8; Ministry

Act, 8, 9, 17; population, 9; irre-

432

Index to Subjects

ligion, 10; great fire, 15, 135; in
Revolution, 12-18; Church in,
first services, 8; Trinity parish
organized, 9, 12; mission to slaves,
12-13; negroes, 13; in the Revo-
lution, 14-5; St. Michael's Church,
93; All Angels Church, 269;
Ascension Church, 113; Grace
Church, 272; St. Mark's Church,
301, 306.

Newburgh, St. George's Church,
110.

North Andover, Mass., 111.

Norwich, University of, 267.

Nova Scotia, first bishop of, 15;
claims of Loyalists heard in, 77;
settlement of Loyalists in, 142,
143.

Oath of allegiance to Congress, text
of, 130; Bev. Robinson summoned
to take, 129-30; Robinson refuses,
131.

Ordinations, 61-7, 92, 103, 113, 218,
258, 259, 261, 264, 266, 267, 270,
272, 274, 277.

Organ, 242, 247, 253, 310.

Oxford Movement, 93. 238.

Page, Rev. Bernard, licensed by
bishop, 86; removes to New York,
86; orthodoxy questioned, 86; in
Pennsylvania, 394; in Maryland,
394; sails for England, 394; claims
for losses and services, 394.

Parish Register, 221, 235-6, 239,
348-93.

Parish House, 247, 254.

Parsonage, the, 38, 35, 41, 46, 166,
313, 314, 326, 397, 398, 399, 400,
401, 402, 405.

Patterson, town of, 121.

Peekskill, 19, 63, 41, 167.

Pemart's Dock, 167.

Pews, 54, 197, 208.

Philipse Upper Patent, 120, 181, 187,
188, 179.

Philadelphia, Christ Church, 9.

Philipstown, created, 179; early
houses in, 180; population of, 181;
slaves in, 181 ; economic condi-
tions, 182-4; economic changes,
194.

Portland, Me., St. Paul's Church,
111.

Poughkeepsie, Smith's mention of,
178; proposed church at, 185;
Rev. John Beardsley at, 186;
Christ Church opened, 186.

Presbyterians, conform at Eastches-
ter, 18; assist in building St. Pet-
er's, 22; attempt to seize St.
Peter's, 22, 40; dispute title of
Glebe, 325.

Provincial Congress, 126-7, 128, 129,
134, 158, 160, 167.

Pulpit, 237, 238.

Putnam County, area, 179; County
Judge, 284.

Putnam, Mrs. Israel's burial, 345-6.

Putnam Valley, 121, 181, 302.

Racine, Wis., 260; College, 271, 274.

Rectors, call to, 64, 86, 87, 88, 103,
107, 108, 110, 111, 257, 258, 259,
260, 263, 265, 267, 269, 272,273;
Institution of, 69-73, 88, 103, 259,
267, 277; Salaries of, 48, 56, 88,
87, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 110,
111,212-3,227,257.

Rectors, institution of, 69-73, 88,
103, 259, 267, 277.

Rectors, subscriptions for support of
32, 34, 36-7, 47, 56-8, 62, 86, 87,
111-12, 219, 231, 232.

Rectory, St. Philip's, gift of land,
234, 252, 287; subscriptions for,
234; repairs to, 247; Samuel Sloan
Memorial, 250-52.

Rents of Farms, 182, 183.

Resumption Act, 289.

Revolution, War of, effect on
Church, 14-5, 75, 77, 80, 91, 86-7,
194; attitude of Clergy, 14, 78-9,
80, 210; St. Peter's Church in, 39,
41-2, 44, 395; St. Philip's Chapel
in, 41, 44, 192-3, 395, 401, 404;
Parsonage damaged in, 41-3, 321,
398; attack on Peekskill, 41, 167;
compensation for damages, 41-3,
169, 175, 191, 321, 398, 401; sus-
pension of Church services, 14,
39, 86-7, 91, 94, 395; Rev. John
Doty in, 76-7, 77-82, 210, 398,
401; Loyalists in, 76-77, 78, 135,
142-3, 156, 161, 162, 166, 166-8,
173,210,211,394; Claims for loss-
es and services, 77-82, 125-47, 125,
147-53, 154, 194; Beverly Robin-
son in, 124-54; Arnold's treason,
120, 139-41; Dutchess County in,

Index to Subjects

433

126, 129; Commissioners for
detecting Conspiracies, 129-30,
162; Oath of allegiance to Con-
gress, 130; John Jay's letter on,
131-3; Forfeiture of Robinson's
estate, 134, 144-5, 147-52; Act of
Attainder, 134-5; Fire in New
York, 135; Loyal American Regi-
ment, 136-7, 142; Guides and
Pioneers, 137-8, 143; Attack on
Fort Montgomery, 138, 156, 345;
British Intelligence Department,
139, 167; Andr6-Arnold episode,
139-41; Cessation of hostilities,
141; provision for Loyalists, 142-
3, 167-8; Loyalists in England,
145-6, 152-3; Soldiers of the Rev-
olution, 157, 158, 163, 164, 169,
170, 341, 382; Lt. Gov. Van Cort-
landt in, 160-61; death of Mrs.
Israel Putnam in, 189, 3465-6;
Highlands of Hudson in 190-1;
Chastellux in, 191-2; economic
results of, 194; parochial political
affiliations in, 210-11, 394.
Robinson, Colonel Beverly, Trustee
St. Peter's, 20; Church Warden,
23, 25, 31, 115, 117; letter to S. P.
G., 33-5; gift of Glebe Farm, 35;
ancestry, 117, 118; first war ser-
vice, 118; settles in New York,
119; marriage, 119; comes to
Dutchess County, 119-20; landed
estate, 120-21; mercantile inter-
ests, 121-2; inventory of mills,
122-3; public offices,123-4; church-
man, 124, 187; attitude to Revolu-
tion, 124-7,128,129,411-12; Mem-
orial to British Government, 125,
147; elected to Provincial Con-
gress, 127; refuses oath of alle-
giance, 129-31; escapes to New
York, 131; personal property
seized, 134; attained, 134-5; real
estate losses, 135; raises Loyal
American Regiment, 135-7; war
service, 137-8; head of Intelli-
gence department, 138-9; rela-
tions with Andre" and Arnold, 139-
41; financial straits, 143-4; letter
to Sir Guy Carleton, 144-5; sails
for England, 146-7; recommended
to Lord North, 145-6; situation in
England, 146-7; schedule of per-
sonal property, 147-9; valuation
of real estate, 149-50; hearing of

claim, 150-1; letter from England,

151-3; award of compensation,

153; death, 154; memorial tablet,

154.
Robinson's Mill, situation of, 121;

seized in Revolution, 122; sold to

Smith, 122.
Rye, church in, 18, 19, 91, 92, 106,

259.

Saccaoppa, 111.

Seal, parochial, 38, 155;

Schenectady, Rev. John Doty in,
74; first services, 75; description
of, 75; church in, 75, 76; during
Revolution, 76, 80, 81.

Scotch Plains, N. J., 302.

Sexton, 55, 224, 233.

Slaves, mission to, 12-13; in Dut-
chess County, 181; Robinson's,
148.

Society for the Propagation of the
Gospel, first missionaries of, 10-
11,37; organization of, 37; letter
of Vestry to, 33-5; petition to,
36-7; ceases to send missionaries,
211.

South Farm, 310.

Spanish-American War, 343.

Staten Island, church in, 11-12.

St. James' Chapel, erection of, 246,
248, 268; land given for, 248; Al-
tar at, 248-9; work at, 248, 249,
273, 274, 276, 392.

St. John's Chapel, 249, 269, 273, 276.

St. Peter's Church, gift of land, 19,
20; trustees of, 20; opening ser-
vice, 21, 33; Royal Charter, 22-
30; during Revolution, 39, 41-2,
86-7; Presbyterians attempt to
take, 22, 40; condition after War,
41, 400; compensation for damag-
es, 41-3; petition to Trinity Cor-
poration, 43-5, 49-52; donation
from Trinity, 48, 50, 51; dimen-
sions of, 54; pews in, 54; descrip-
tion of, 54; clerk, 55; chorister,
55; sexton, 55; churchyard, 55-6;
lottery, 56-7; collections in, 58;
new church, 63; Baptisms, 347-8.

St. Philip's Chapel and Church in
the Highlands, services at Mande-
ville's, 32, 35, 36, 187, 188; asso-
ciation with St. Peter's, 34-5, 36,
178, 187, 188, 189, 201; during
Revolution. 37. 41, 46. 86-7. 190-

434

Index to Subjects

3, 201; erection of Chapel, 187,
201; gift of land, 189; situation
of, 190, 402; closed during War,
194, 398, 404; re-organization,
195-6, 308; Silas Constant preach-
es in, 195, 216-7; lack of clergy,

196, 209-10, 211-12; rental of
churchyard, 196, 197; pews in,

197, 208; repairs to, 197-200, 214-
5; appeal to Trinity Corporation
200-5, 404; proposed alterations,
204-6,214; Consecration of, 206-7;
dimensions of, 207; description of,
207-8; accounts, 218-9; spiritual
conditions. 219-22; parochial
school, 222-3; becomes a parish,
225; Act of Incorporation, 225-6;
election of Vestry, 227; legacy,
227; first Rector, 227; financial
conditions, 228, 232-3; reports to
Convention, 228-9; parochial
accounts, 229-31; subscriptions
for Rectors, 231-2; subscription
for repairs, 233; proposed chancel
alterations, 235-9; proposals for
new church, 239-40; plans, 240;
building committee, 240; sub-
scribers, 240-2; corner stone laid,
242; Consecration, 243; Instru-
ment of Donation, 243-4; Certifi-
cate of Consecration, 244-6; dis-
position of old church, 246; Cen-
tennial, 246; repairs to Rectory,
247; gift of Organ, 247; gift of
Parish House, 247; missions in
parish, 248-9; St. James' Chapel,
248-9, 268; St. John's Chapel,
249; Memorial Rectory, 250-2;
Sun Dial, 252; Memorials and
Benefactions, 252-6.

St. Philip's Churchyard, 196, 197,

246, 252, 253, 303, 340-6.
St. Philip's Hall, 249.
St. Philip's Parochial School, 46,

222-3, 402, 404.
St. Philip's Sunday School, 219, 221-

2, 228, 233-4.
St. Stephen's College, 269.
Sun Dial, 252.

Supervisors, 123, 163.

Thornbury (Eng.), 154.

Tories, Westchester, 161, 162, 166,

167, 168, 210-11, 394.
Treasurer, parochial, 58, 282, 285.
Trinity Church Corporation, Vestry

appeals to, 39, 43-5, 49, 50, 51,

200-5, 395-6.
Trinity Church, N. Y., erection, 9;

mission to slaves, 12-3; during

Revolution, 14-5; destroyed by

fire, 14-5; donations to churches,

48, 51-2.
Trinity College, 267.

Utrecht, Treaty of , 117.

Vermont, church in, 265-6, 267.
Vermont University of, 265.
Vestry, Clerks of, 37, 45, 117, 281,

285.
Vestrymen, 23, 25, 31, 32, 44, 115-6,

227, 279, 281.

War of 1812, 301, 302.

Washington, Treaty of, 289.

Waterford, Grace Church, 272.

Westchester, church in, 18, 91.

Westchester County, Church in, re-
ligious conditions, 15-6, 19; first
missionaries, 18-9; church in Rye,
18, 91, 92; Westchester, 18, 91;
Eastchester, 18; Yonkers, 18, 91,
92; Bedford, 18, 92; Mamaro-
neck, 18; Northcastle, 18; New
Rochelle, 18; White Plains, 92.

Westchester County Bank, 175;
Militia, 158, 160, 169.

West Haven, Ct., 91.

West Point Foundry, 175, 232.

West Point Military Academy, 110,
156, 343.

Williams College, 272.

Yale College, 90, 91.
Yale Divinity School, 272.
Yonkers, St. John's Church, 18, 91 ,
92, 107, 258.

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Full text of "History of St. Philip's church in the Highlands, Garrison, New York, including, up to 1840, St. Peter's church on the manor of Cortlandt"

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